While provincial regulations state that licensed establishments in New Brunswick can serve alcohol until 2 a.m., legislation is in force to offer protocol for extending liquor serving hours during special events of provincial, national or international stature.

Daniel Allain, executive director of Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc., told the Times and Transcript the legislation is good news for watering holes along the city’s Main Street. But he said the development should encourage a much larger conversation about the province’s Liquor Control Act, and perhaps a serious discussion about extending last call in New Brunswick bars for every night of the week.

For instance, Allain suggests that the success of summer concerts on Magnetic Hill, a new casino complex set to open nearby, plus the growing pressure for a modern indoor entertainment complex within city limits give reason to discuss liquor licence changes.

Lisa Harrity, spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety, said the provincial government had no plans to extend or discuss extending liquor licence hours at establishments on regular nights.

Harrity also said the new casino on Magnetic Hill wouldn’t have any special liquor licence. The Nova Scotia government says cabaret establishments can serve alcohol until 3:30 a.m.

“It would be something that needs to be studied quite carefully,” said Luc Erjavec, vice-president of the Atlantic Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association. “While we’re very supportive of a less restrictive regulatory environment, there are a lot of things at play such as if there’s customer demand, enforcement issues with police or alcohol regulators and whether there’s taxis or public transportation available.