A state senator from San Francisco is proposing a bill that could extend the nightlife in parts of California.

If approved, it would give cities and towns the option of letting restaurants and nightclubs serve alcohol later into the early morning hours.

The hope is that later drinking hours will boost tourism, but residents and even bar owners still have some doubts.

David Stevenson has the story.

New state legislation could let the good times roll on in California past 2 a.m.

A new bill proposed by San Francisco State Senator Mark Leno would let cities and counties work with the state to let bars and restaurants serve alcohol as last as 4 a.m.

"The bartenders and owners would love it. Make more money and the people who want to drink can drink longer I guess." says Rick Posada, a former bar owner.

The goal is to enable California cities to compete with New York, Chicago and Las Vegas, where closing time extends into the wee hours.

"It would really give these cities an opportunity to consider additional job growth, business expansion and increase in local tax revenues," says Sen, Leno.

"From a hospitality perspective, from the perspective of tourists coming here, having the ability to have to have a later night creates the ability to have a great time in the city but also to spend more money," says Rob Black, Golden Gate Restaurant Association Executive Director.

"I was shocked when I came out to California that everything died at 1:30," says Annette Hricko, a former New York resident.

For law enforcement and some area residents, later hours could mean more late night headaches.

"People would be drinking too much and then they'd be driving, right. So I think it would be too late and the noise. I just don't think it would be good for the community," says Kristen Trojel of the InnVision Shelter Network.

Even some bar managers have reservations.

"The lack of the infrastructure as far as buses and public transportation in general, not being able to really facilitate some of the later comings and goings might have an impact negatively," says Joel Darsky, manager of the Tipsy Pig.

The beverage service hours legislation is set to go before a policy committee this month.