While the majority of Torontonians are against extending last call at local bars until 4 a.m., their opinion on whether to tear down the Gardiner Expressway is split.

That's according to a new Forum Research survey on Toronto policy issues. In a telephone poll sampling of 1,271 Toronto residents 18 years and older, 58 per cent of people indicated they are not in favour of extending last call at local bars until the wee hours of the morning.

Those in favour of the idea (33%) were "predictably" younger (48%), male (37%), and said they would re-elect Rob Ford as mayor (40%). Those against extending bar hours were older (72%), lived in the Etobicoke area (63%), owned property (63%) and were drivers (63%).

The push to extend the sale of alcohol by two hours in Toronto, from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., was launched in February by a grassroots campaign called LastCallTo.

According to the site, the additional hours would improve the city's nightlife and create jobs.

"Our 2 a.m. last call for alcohol cuts our night short," the website says.

Currently, the City of Toronto only extends last calls during city-wide events such as Nuit Blanche and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Gardiner Expressway

Meanwhile, on the issue of the Gardiner, Torontonians were split on whether to tear down the aging expressway.

According to the poll, "almost exactly equal" number of Torontonians were in favour (39%) and opposed (37%) of ripping down the section of the Gardiner located east of Jarvis Street.

Support for tearing down the expressway was strongest among males (43%), those who live in the downtown area (47%), and those who earn between $60,000 to $80,000 (47%) a year. Opposition was strongest among those who are younger (42%), those who live in the Etobicoke area (42%), and those who say they would re-elect Rob Ford as mayor in October (46%).

In February, a staff report to the city recommended tearing down the Gardiner and expanding Lake Shore Boulevard. The recommendation will be dealt with when the new term of city council begins.

Forum's poll is accurate to within three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.