Let us all buy a round for City Council as the members approved the previous trial ordinance for local bars to stay open until 2 a.m.

It is a no-brainer in a college town such as Charleston with a rich history to allow the bars to continue serving alcohol until the wee morning hours.

Not only is the move a win for the students on campus, but it is also a smart business move.

Many students do not even hit the bars as soon as night falls, they pre-game either at a house party or in the dorms before leaving and by the time they get there, it is midnight and would only have an hour left for more alcoholic beverages.

While it is understandable that university students are not the sole shot-takers at the bars, they do drive a significant amount of revenue for the businesses.

The extra hour of operation can mean all the difference because each night like clockwork around midnight intoxicated students slink their way into the nearest establishment to get topped off, which can bring in hundreds of dollars or more.

What was also a good aspect about the ruling is both the Charleston Fire and Police departments did not see a problem with the hour increase.

With the bars staying open later the city hoped it would reduce late night parties.

With the bars closing at 2 a.m. the hope for students to stumble back home instead of the nearest party was also a driving factor in the hour increase—after all, Eastern is not the University of Illinois, nor is it the No. 1 party school in the state.

For some students going to a party school is high on their list, which is good for them, but one of the reasons many came to Eastern could easily be inferred was the seriousness of academics.

However, bar hours or “last call” is individual and are heavily dependent on the city and state.

Some stay open 24 hours a day, and others close around Midnight.

Illinois last call state hour is generally around 1 a.m., but some areas like around Chicago can go until 3 a.m., according to city data’s website

In any event, the bars in Charleston now stay open later students and “townies” are able to get their drink on for an extra hour driving more in-town revenue, which is always a good thing.

The daily editorial is the majority opinion of the editorial board of The Daily Eastern News.