Bars in Arizona will not serve alcohol after 2 a.m. during the Arizona Diamondbacks’ first trip to the World Series in 22 years after Gov. Katie Hobbs declined to approve a request from Republican lawmaker Matt Gress.
Current state law grants the governor authority to extend operating hours of bars until 3 a.m. However, Hobbs spokesman Christian Slater said the governor’s decision was made to protect public safety and taxpayer money that would have gone to overtime pay for police.
Gress had sent a letter to Hobbs last week requesting the extension. Hobbs consulted with several agencies, including the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, before making her decision.
Department Director Ben Henry said extending the hours would go too far.
