Wilton extends liquor sale hours in restaurants

As of Feb. 13, diners in Wilton restaurants will be able to enjoy a cocktail a little later on weekends. The Town of Wilton has passed an ordinance extending the hours of liquor sales in restaurants

News 12 Staff

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Jan 23, 2009, 12:13 AM

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Updated 5,816 days ago

As of Feb. 13, diners in Wilton restaurants will be able to enjoy a cocktail a little later on weekends.

The Town of Wilton has passed an ordinance extending the hours of liquor sales in restaurants from 11 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

?I think it'll be positive for the economy in Wilton,? says restaurant owner Dina Weitz.

Some customers say they were going out to restaurants in other towns because they would be served later.

?I will definitely go to the local restaurants more because I will be able to stay out a little later instead of shutting everything down at 11 p.m.,? says Tom Sullivan

Officials say the change will help boost the ability for Wilton restaurants to be more competitive with other areas.

?It's going to help our restaurants be more competitive on two of the key nights and major holidays that are a big part of their business,? says First Selectman Bill Brennan.

Restaurants in the Wilton area were previously not allowed to serve alcohol until 1993 and liquor stores are still not allowed to serve alcohol, but that may eventually change.

"It will eventually be here and I think the sentiment in town is 'why should we have to drive to Norwalk or Ridgefield to buy a bottle of wine for a dinner party tonight?'" says Brennan.