Aurora extends alcohol sales for St. Patrick’s Day

Aurora pubs and restaurants may sell alcohol two hours longer on St. Patrick’s Day than on a normal Sunday if they apply by Thursday for the privilege, city officials said.

Liquor license holders, including Ballydoyle Irish Pub at 28 W. New York St., asked permission to sell alcohol one hour earlier and one hour later than usually allowed. The city council Tuesday granted the request.

Organizations or businesses holding liquor licenses classified for taverns, fraternal societies or clubs, restaurants and restaurants selling beer and wine can apply by 5 p.m. Thursday to sell drinks from 11 a.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday, instead of the usual noon to 1 a.m. time frame.

Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner said this is not the first time the city has extended the hours of alcohol sales for a holiday such as St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17 every year.

Locations wanting to sell liquor two hours longer must provide live entertainment on Sunday, serve food the entire duration of alcohol sales, and have their request approved by Weisner, the liquor control commissioner.

Requests can be denied for establishments that have had their liquor licenses suspended within the past year, or those that have violated a city ordinance or owe the city money.