Closing Time in Annapolis

Someone in Annapolis, Maryland reads this blog just about every day. Thanks Annapolis. So in honor of them, I would like to take on an economic issue that concerns Annapolis, bar closing time. According to this article, about ½ of the bars in Annapolis can stay open until 2am, the other ½ need to close at Midnight. A few interesting questions, perhaps my friend in Annapolis can help.

1. Does the midnight rule for some actually, reduce the number of people making a lot of noise leaving bars at 2am, if people can just go to another bar then leave again at 2am. If anything I would thinking herding people into fewer bars would make more problems
2. Economic theory would suggest that if fixed cost can be spread out over more hours, then drinks should be cheaper at 2am bars (adjusting for other factors). This could really hurt the midnight bars.
3. Are there any midnight to 2am drink specials?

To follow a play by play of the exciting city council meeting debating this very issue, from a blog that has previously linked here, check out Annapolis Politics.

I’m likely going to Annapolis this weekend with my in-laws, we will probably be eating crab and not drinking past midnight, but I’m always willing to help research.