D.C. Extends Last Call for Obama Inauguration

Visitors and residents of Washington, D.C. will have a few more hours to soak in President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Washington, D.C.’s City Council voted Tuesday night to extend last call for bars and restaurants until 5 a.m. during the presidential inauguration, citing a desire to cater to the many residents and travelers who will celebrate the occasion in the city.

D.C. has made a point of accommodating the Obama inauguration, even issuing special metro passes featuring the visage of the president-elect.

The Council voted 9-4 to approve the extension, which will push back last call from the usual 2 a.m. from January 17 until the morning after President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20.

The Council rebuffed Mayor Adrian Fenty’s (D) office, which sought to exclude nightclubs from enjoying the extended business hours granted to bars and restaurants.

The bill was brought by Councilmember Jim Graham (D), who represents Ward 1, a ward which includes the D.C. neighborhoods of Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights–two areas heavily populated by bars and other nightlife hotspots.

Ironically, Graham voted against the final version of the bill following the amendment crossing the Fenty administration.

Legislation may also be coming down the pipe to extend the hours of the D.C. metro, Graham told the Washington Post. The metro closes at midnight on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.