Wilmington council seeks to extend last call for alcohol sales to 2AM

The Wilmington Intergovernmental Committee convened on June 4, 2025, to address several pressing issues affecting the downtown area, including the management of the unhoused population and a proposed resolution to extend alcohol service hours.

The meeting began with a discussion on the organizational structure of Downtown Vision, a public-private partnership aimed at enhancing the downtown experience. A council member raised concerns regarding the protocol for addressing complaints about the treatment of unhoused individuals by ambassadors in the area. It was clarified that following a consent decree from the Attorney General's office, ambassadors no longer enforce loitering or panhandling laws unless on private property and with prior complaints from property owners. The council member emphasized the need for a clear reporting protocol for any incidents involving ambassadors and unhoused individuals.

Public comments followed, with residents expressing their experiences and concerns. One resident noted a significant reduction in the number of unhoused individuals in certain areas, indicating a positive change. Another resident raised issues regarding littering and noise disturbances, questioning the city's enforcement of existing laws. The committee assured the resident that they would facilitate contact with the appropriate council members to address these concerns.

The meeting then shifted focus to a resolution proposed by Council Member Owens, urging the Delaware General Assembly to amend state law to extend the last call for alcohol consumption from 1 AM to 2 AM in Wilmington. Owens argued that this change would help attract young professionals and boost local businesses by keeping leisure spending within the city. He cited examples from other cities that have successfully implemented similar measures, suggesting that extending service hours could enhance public safety and economic vitality.

Council Member Oliver expressed support for the resolution, sharing her own efforts to advocate for extended hours and highlighting the interest from local businesses. The committee acknowledged the challenges faced in gaining legislative support for the proposal but reiterated the potential benefits for Wilmington's economy and community.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit these topics in future sessions, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and responsive governance in addressing the needs of Wilmington's residents.