THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHARLESTON – Charleston is changing its approach on dealing with late-night crowds in the city’s entertainment district. The city is now proposing a moratorium on new bars.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports the city originally proposed prohibiting businesses selling alcohol in the entertainment area from operating between midnight and 6 a.m.

That proposal was the subject of a hearing earlier this month and brought objections from business owners.

Mayor Joe Riley says a moratorium would ban new bars in the downtown area for three years. He says that will give the city time to gather input and develop a fair plan to limit businesses serving alcohol while expanding other kinds of businesses.

The moratorium would have to be approved by city council.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com