Madison’s effort to ensure a safer and saner Halloween bash on State Street this year includes a plan to bring the celebration to an earlier and more definite end. That’s why State Street- area bar owners should set aside their hostility toward city regulatory policies long enough to agree to close 90 minutes early on the night of the Halloween party.
The bar owners’ cooperation is important to protect the safety of people and property, including their own.

Madison has long had an unwanted reputation as the home of a massive Halloween bash, often marred by alcohol-fueled hooliganism that produces property damage and injuries. Though an early bar time for Halloween is a reasonable request, cooperation from bar owners is in doubt. In fact, this week Dane County Tavern League President Barb Mercer unequivocally rejected a request for an early closing time from Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Police Chief Noble Wray, UW- Madison Chancellor John Wiley and Associated Students of Madison Chairman Eric Varney.

Madison’s effort to ensure a safer and saner Halloween bash on State Street this year includes a plan to bring the celebration to an earlier and more definite end. That’s why State Street- area bar owners should set aside their hostility toward city regulatory policies long enough to agree to close 90 minutes early on the night of the Halloween party.
The bar owners’ cooperation is important to protect the safety of people and property, including their own.

Madison has long had an unwanted reputation as the home of a massive Halloween bash, often marred by alcohol-fueled hooliganism that produces property damage and injuries. Though an early bar time for Halloween is a reasonable request, cooperation from bar owners is in doubt. In fact, this week Dane County Tavern League President Barb Mercer unequivocally rejected a request for an early closing time from Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Police Chief Noble Wray, UW- Madison Chancellor John Wiley and Associated Students of Madison Chairman Eric Varney.