Lawmakers working to keep bars across Wisconsin open until 4 a.m. during Democratic convention

MADISON - Thousands of visitors and residents across the state could indulge in Wisconsin's favorite pastime until just before dawn during the Democrats' national convention under legislation Assembly lawmakers plan to pass next week. 

Bars statewide could stay open until 4 a.m. during mid-July when the Democratic Party will host its national convention in Milwaukee to nominate its presidential candidate to challenge President Donald Trump. 

Gov. Tony Evers has promised to sign the measure but bill author Rep. Rob Swearingen, R-Rhinelander, said Thursday he has no idea whether the proposal will make it through the state Senate first.

"I can't imagine that the Senate wouldn't back this idea because it helps the businesses in Milwaukee — it's not like we're helping out the Democrats," Swearingen said, referring to Senate Republicans. None have added their name to the proposal as of Thursday.  

The proposal advanced Thursday also abandons — for now — an effort to require owners of barns that are rented for events to obtain liquor licenses or a permit before serving alcohol.   

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald hasn't said whether his caucus would support the bill now that the provisions to regulate venues known as wedding barns have been removed — an idea that drew opposition from some conservative Republicans and groups representing farmers.   

Rep. Christine Sinicki, D-Milwaukee, voted Thursday to advance the bill to the full Assembly. She said she was still concerned about the potential negative effects of having more time to drink in bars. 

"It's a fair question," Swearingen said about drunken driving concerns. "Statewide, I guess you could argue that, but in reality I don't think it's going to be a real big issue across the state — I just don't see a lot of municipalities taking advantage."

Bars that want to stay open until 4 a.m. between July 13 and July 17, when the convention will be in Milwaukee, will be required to apply to do so. Municipalities may opt to ban their bars from taking advantage of the extended hours, too, under the bill. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Contact Molly Beck at molly.beck@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @MollyBeck.