California Senator Proposes 4 a.m Last Call for Alcohol

March 15, 2013Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticle3 Comments

Last call at California restaurants, bars and nightclubs could come later under legislation proposed by a state senator from San Francisco.

Sen. Mark Leno’s bill would allow cities and counties to petition state alcohol regulators to allow alcohol service until 4 a.m., two hours later than current regulations.

Leno, a Democrat, tells the San Francisco Chronicle his bill would make California cities more competitive as tourist destinations with cities that allow alcohol service past 2 a.m.

Leno says he expects opposition based on public safety concerns, but he has not seen evidence that later alcohol service leads to increased alcohol-related traffic deaths.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: West NewsTopics: Alcohol-Related Traffic Deaths, Last call, liquor liability, public safety, State Sen. Mark LenoHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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Tennessee State Senator, Insurance Agent Tracy to Run for Congress

January 4, 2013Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

State Sen. Jim Tracy officially announced Wednesday that he will run for the congressional seat held by fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, saying the embattled lawmaker has deceived his constituents and needs to be replaced with a more trustworthy representative.

Tracy, an insurance agent for Nationwide Insurance and former college basketball referee, was joined by other Republican lawmakers and local officials at a pharmacy in Murfreesboro. His speech was interrupted by applause at least twice as he touted his conservative values and alluded to the scandal surrounding DesJarlais.

“I promise that I will never embarrass you with my personal conduct or compromise on my conservative principles,” Tracy said. “I’m a conservative in word and deed. I’m 100 percent pro-life.”

DesJarlais, a Jasper physician, won a second term in Congress in November despite revelations he had sexual relationships with patients and urged one to seek an abortion. DesJarlais has rejected calls for his resignation.

When asked about Tracy’s challenge, DesJarlais spokesman Robert Jameson said in a statement that the congressman is focused on other matters.

“Right now Congressman DesJarlais is completely focused on the job he was elected to do by residents of the Fourth District: Ending the deficit spending, repealing ObamaCare and returning our government to its proper constitutional role.”

 

 

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: Southeast NewsTopics: insurance agent in politics, Jim Tracy, Rep. Scott DesJarlais, Tennessee insurance agent state senator, Tennessee politics, Tennessee RepublicansHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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