Yesterday, we mentioned that City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown (or, BRB) has proposed allowing bars to stay open until 3AM and using the extra tax revenue to help the city’s struggling school system.

In the video above, from Fox29, she was posed a question about a possible uptick in crime, violence, and drunk driving that could come with an extra hour of drinking. “Absolutely it is a concern,” BRB said, while also noting that cities like New York, Miami, and Atlanta all have later last calls and have “figured it out.”

You know, we don’t always agree with BRB, but we’re with her on this one. We’re all adults, and if we can do a little something extra to help out (while really doing next to nothing) we’re all for it. For the most part, those people who would be causing trouble at 3AM are the same ones who are currently causing trouble at 2AM, so why can’t we just go the extra mile … er … hour. FOR THE CHILDREN!

According to Newsworks, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown has introduced a bill that would, “allow bars to keep serving until 3AM and earmark the extra tax money generated to help Philadelphia’s struggling school system.” We mentioned this last summer over on the Philebs (and most of you supported the idea), but back then it was only an idea. Now, it is a possible reality.

The biggest problem, it seems, would be serving the unruly drinks for an extra hour before unleashing them on the neighborhoods. Northeast Philly resident Sandra Stewart spoke out against the bill, saying (as reported by Newsworks), “This bill if you do not allocate it specifically to the entertainment district you will wreak havoc not just in my district but in the family communities of Northeast Philadelphia where you do not need bars open until 3AM.” Reynolds-Brown said she could add restrictions so not all bars would qualify for the extra hour.

You know, we’re all for the idea of having an extra hour to put some back, and if we can feel like we’re helping out while doing it, then why not? But the idea does came with its setbacks.

A spokesman for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board said the PLCB is planning to open another liquor store in the nearby area, but no location has been decided yet. For now, Penn Students will just have to get their liquor elsewhere.

Unquestionably inspired by this book, next Sunday’s Please Kill Me (which also took place this past Sunday) at The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. (112 South 18th Street) will feature cocktails inspired by 70′s Punk Rock. Special cocktails include:

Sazerac - Because it took a city like New Orleans to kill a man like John Thunders
Daiquiri - Like The Ramones – It’s simple and everything you need
Distructive Urges – Because Dead Boys had a few
New York In The 70s – Where it all went down
and the classic Beer and a Shot

The Franklin will be hosting music inspired cocktail nights every Sunday until January 29th (minus Christmas and New Year’s weekends): December 11 & 18 will be the 70s Glam night, January 8 & 15 will be “Our Band Could Be Your Life,” the 80s indie rock night, and early 90s hip-hop will be celebrated on January 22 & 29.

The evening’s guests will enjoy complimentary bourbon tastings and appetizers including: Jim Beam-BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Corn Fritters with cheddar fondue, and Chicken and Vegetable Skewers. In addition, guests can purchase a Beam Heritage bourbon flight for $15 featuring Jim Beam, Booker’s and Basil Hayden’s. For reservations to this exclusive event, call Twisted Tail at 215-558-2471.

That right.

Bar Ferdinand (1030 North 2nd Street) understands how hard you work. And sometimes you just want to be appreciated you know, have someone pat you on the back and say “nice job.” Well you won’t get exactly that at Bar Ferdinand on Friday’s but you’ll get something arguably better: a weekly changing selection of beers, wines, and spirits, paired with a tapa.

Merienda Fridays at BF last from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and each week has its own theme. So while it might not be that pat on the back and the respect of your peers, sometimes a drink and some food just what you need.

Xilantro is introducing some new autumn cocktails in preparation for the unveiling of their new fall menu coming later this month. The cocktails include:
Dusk in Eden - belvedere vodka, pomegranate, apple juice
PumpkinTini - vanilla vodka, pumpkin liqueur, whipped cream, cinnamon
Autumn Apple Cider - tequila añejo, apple cider, fresh lime juice, mint
Early Autumn - tequila blanco infused with pear and apples, apple cider, pear brandy, fresh lemon juice, ginger beer

Or of course you could make your own drink with one of their 100+ tequilas and enjoy it in Xilantro’s outdoor lounge while the air is nice and crisp, but before it gets too cold.

Thendro - means “tree.” Made with Metaxa (Greek brandy), Mastiha (liqueur derived from the sap of a specific tree grown only on the island of Chios), and Peychaud’s bitters. It’s essentially a Greek take on the Sazerac.
Xinouli - means “tart,” but with a childish inflection. It’s made with Espolon Blanco tequila, Veev (acai berry liqueur), lemon juice, and Cava. Think Greek Margarita.
Maimou - means “monkey.” Consists of Plymouth gin, orange juice, ouzo, grenadine, and crème de cassis. It’s a Greek take on the traditional cocktail, the Monkey Gland

The next time you’re in need of a colorful fall cocktail, step outside of the standard drink box and step into Opa.

BAD NEWS: We’ve been tipped off that Paesano’s (152 W Girard Ave), which has long been known as one of the best places for a sandwich in the city, may be downsizing their offerings. According to a review on Yelp! (we know, we can’t believe we’re acknowledging them either), the sandwiches have been getting smaller in the last few months, while the prices remain the same. There has also been some reports of customer service going downhill and the recent reviews show a disconcerting trend.