Powell bars will be allowed to stay open a little later for the Halloween and New Year’s Eve holidays this year.

The Powell City Council has agreed to let the city’s establishments serve alcohol until 3 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28 and Sunday, Dec. 31. That’s an hour later than usual.

Monday’s approval was something of a formality, as the council passed an ordinance over the summer that allows the later operating hours two nights a year.

K-Bar Saloon owner Amy Cozzens brought the proposal to the council after watching some of her patrons head to the Byron Bar — which was open until 6 a.m. on the holidays — when the K-Bar closed. Cozzens said last spring that she hopes staying open until 3 a.m. will dissuade patrons from making a potentially dangerous drive and to instead use the K-Bar’s complimentary designated drivers.

Five of Powell’s seven downtown bars signed off on the request to use this year’s extended hours on Oct. 28 and Dec. 31. While all of the city’s licensed establishments will be allowed to stay open until 3 a.m., Cozzens previously predicted that most will keep their regular schedules.

Police have the authority to revoke the extended hours and shut any establishment down for the night “if it is determined such closure is necessary for the public safety.”

—By CJ Baker