Drink until 2 a.m. in Omaha?

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The closing time for bars in Douglas County could be extended until 2 a.m. as in many other states, but only on Friday and Saturday nights.

Sen. Kent Rogert of Tekamah said during a hearing Monday for his bill (LB1013) that the state's biggest city, Omaha, and the state are losing revenue to states such as Iowa, where bars can stay open longer.

Under the bill, lottery tickets also could be sold until 2 a.m.

Omaha City Councilman Ben Gray says he supports the measure, because it could help businesses and would apply only two nights a week.

Anti-drinking groups including Project Extra Mile oppose the bill, saying it could lead to injuries and deaths.