Meeting discusses earlier bar closing times in Spfld.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield's License Commission will meet this Thursday to talk about a proposal that will force Springfield bars and restaurants to close at 1 a.m.

So the commission met with area residents Tuesday night to discuss possible impacts of that early closing time.

Police say the 1 a.m. closing could reduce violence in the city.

But some residents told 22News bars not in the entertainment district may be hurt by the change.

“We can't judge every human being, what they are going to do when they come into an establishment, but unfortunately there are problems,” said Ray Caporale of Springfield. “There are going to be some bar owners outside the troubled area affected by this change.”

Residents also asked what would happen if a casino with 24-hour bars and entertainment comes to Springfield.

The License Commission said it's too early to worry about that, but early closing time rules can be changed later.