Extending Last Call: Good or Bad Idea for Hamptons?

Should Hampton and North Hampton voters approve measures to allow local businesses to serve alcohol for one hour longer than they currently are permitted?

That's the question the two towns will likely discuss over the next several months. Residents and officials will have to decide whether the extra revenue and business brought in by extending last call from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. would be beneficial to the towns, or costly due to the associated increase in noise and police presence in busier areas — namely Hampton Beach, which along with Hampton is currently in the middle of seeking feedback about its late-night entertainment policies due to concerns about noise.

Bars will be permitted by state law to stay open until 2 a.m. starting in 2014 thanks to a bill signed into law last week by Gov. Maggie Hassan. Municipalities, though, have the ultimate ability to decide what time it allows its bars to stay open, which would mean an amendment through the town meeting process for Hampton and North Hampton.

What do you think? Should Hampton, Hampton Beach and North Hampton bars be allowed to serve drinks until 2 a.m.? Why or why not? Please tell us in the comments below.