Associated Press - July 2, 2009 8:15 PM ET

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez likes the idea of keeping bars open until 3 a.m.

The proposal doesn't mean that servers will be pouring drinks at that hour.

Chavez said bars would still be required to shut off the booze at 1:45 but the proposal will allow them to stay open and serve soft drinks, coffee and food until 3 a.m.

The mayor says letting bars stay open later would allow customers to hang out and sober up or find a safe ride home.

Bar owner Billy Baldwin says a later closing gives customers time to think about what they're doing and make an intelligence choice.

Chavez says he hopes to have the option in effect sometime later this year.

Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com

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