213 DC bars apply for late inauguration hours

-- WASHINGTON (AP) -- At least 213 D.C. bars, restaurants and nightclubs have registered to serve alcohol later than usual and possibly serve food all night long during inauguration week.

Businesses that weren't restricted by neighborhood agreements for their operating hours were required to register by yesterday with the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration. About 20 percent of the more than 1,000 bar and restaurant businesses in the city registered for the late hours.

Another 73 establishments have applied to stay open late but are awaiting decisions by neighborhood groups.

Alcohol sales normally end at 3 a.m. on weekends and 2 a.m. on weekdays.

Ward 1 Council member Jim Graham says he initially supported the extension of bar hours but later voted against it because of security concerns.