Alton will do away with all of its late night liquor licenses in the near future.

The city council voted 5-2 on Wednesday to eliminate bars’ ability to sell alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.

“I just don't want to strain our police resources or endanger our officers unnecessarily,” said Alderwoman Martha Pfister, who introduced the amendment to the city’s ordinance, during the debate. “The Alton Police Department is entrusted with protecting all of Alton, not providing security to downtown bars at the expense of our taxpayers.”

Wednesday night’s vote reaffirms the city council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday night, where the city’s aldermen voted the same way .

However, owners and employees of some of the 13 bars in town that currently

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