Jill Schramm/MDN The Grain Hopper, Minot, is among bars in Ward County’s jurisdiction that would have the option of a later closing time if the county commission decides to allow 2 a.m. closing.

The question of whether bars in rural Ward County should have the option to be open until 2 a.m. is on the county commission’s platter.

Commissioners tabled the matter after a brief discussion Tuesday.

Sheriff Robert Roed said an extra hour at the bars should matter little to his officers. Bars in the county jurisdiction can and have received special permits to stay open until 2 a.m. for events, he said.

The Minot City Council voted last month to allow bars to be open until 2 a.m. Other cities in the county typically allow for 1 a.m. closings. Kenmare changed its ordinance from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. last July.

The issue arose as bars are in the process of renewing annual licenses with the auditor’s office and a couple have asked if the county is considering a later closing time. About a dozen bars would be affected by a change.

“It is up to the business owner to be responsible and do what is best for their business,” Commissioner Shelly Weppler said. “Responsible is the word here.”

Along with bar managers taking responsibility for customers, the increase in ride share options is impacting people’s decisions not to drink and drive, she said.

Commission John Pietsch had moved to leave bar closing hours unchanged at 1 a.m. That motion was tabled to give commissioners more time to get information and hear from the public.

The commission also voted 3-2 to approve next year’s polling places, which will remain unchanged.

Commission Chairman John Fjeldahl and Commissioner John Pietsch had preferred to add a closer physical polling option for residents of the Makoti and Ryder areas, who now vote by mail or in Minot.

Commissioners selected Fjeldahl as chairman and Alan Walter as vice chairman at Tuesday’s meeting.