Springfield changes bar closing time

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Springfield officials say they are going ahead with plans to make all bars and nightclubs close at 1 a.m. unless they have special permission to stay open an hour later.

The move made Tuesday is an effort to cut down early morning violence. Police say most of the city's crime occurs in the entertainment district between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Other parts of the city are often left without adequate police protection because officers are often called to the entertainment district to help handle rowdy crowds.

The final straw occurred last weekend when a Connecticut man was arrested for bringing a gun to a downtown club following a 2 a.m. fight. Police were able to stop him and place him in custody before there was any violence.

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