Last call could come sooner for businesses in Abacoa Town Center

A proposal in Jupiter has some business owners rallying against it. The town wants to make last call 2 hours earlier for restaurant and bars in the Abacoa Town Center.

Business owners say if the proposal is approved it would make staying in business much harder. Now owners are trying to find a way to compromise with the city by offering to pay off-duty officers to secure their premisis. But so far their compromises have fallen on deaf ears.

"I do about 25 percent of my business between 1a.m. and 3 a.m.," said one bar owner.

VIcki Greist, owner of Jumby Bay Island Grill currently closes at 3 a.m. But if the town has its way she could be shutting the doors at 1 a.m. and making last call at midnight.

"I wish we could make it in this economy and everyday people go home at midnight but that's not the case." says Greist.

Other business owners say having a business in Abacoa has been tough because of rumors the landlord was bankrupt. They say they put those to rest and now this.

"For this to come out from the town it's going to hurt us even more," says business owner Layton Varney.

And you can blame it on the alcohol. Town officials says increased police calls to businesses after midnight and a tighter police budget are just two of the reasons for the proposal. Business owners say they have a way to resolve the problem by paying off-duty officers to secure the area.

"We're willing to pay out of pocket for that to make sure we keep this area safe for everyone," says Greist.

"We're all doing the best can to make things happen", adds Varney.

They are hoping as town officials grapple with their decision they take into account how tough it is to be in business right now.

The new hours would have bars and restaurants closing at 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Town officials will vote next month.