Why Should Delaware Care?
Wilmington is seeking more control over how it raises revenue and manages its nightlife, which could set a precedent for other Delaware municipalities. The proposed changes would align the city’s last call for alcohol service with neighboring states and introduce a local cigarette tax to support city services.
The Wilmington City Council signed off on two new proposals Thursday that officials say would boost revenue for the city and improve its nightlife scene.
In a pair of new resolutions introduced by City Councilman Coby Owens (D-1st District), the city is asking state legislators to grant Wilmington the authority to impose a local tax on cigarette sales, and to extend alcohol service at bars and restaurants until 2 a.m. – a full hour later than the state’s current 1 a.m. cutoff.
Owens said his proposal to extend “last call” could bring more dollars into the city by boosting business revenue and attracting more visitors and young professionals to stay in the city.
“We must seize this opportunity to showcase Wilmington as a dynamic destination where people can come and spend their money and spend their time,” Owens said during Thursday’s council meeting.
Delaware is the only state in the mid-Atlantic region that cuts off alcohol service before the standard 2 a.m. last call.
As Wilmington looks for ways to boost its appeal to young workers, it faces competition from neighboring states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. — all of which allow bars and restaurants to serve alcohol later into the night, with some cities in the region extending last call to as late as 3 a.m.
Owens said he has been in communication with various businesses and young professionals who want more to do in the city. He also created a petition to gather support for the resolution, which currently has over 230 signatures.
Owen’s proposal could boost city revenue by increasing collections from various taxes, including Wilmington’s wage tax. But, it is unclear if any increase would make more than a marginal difference in the city’s budget.
Councilman Nathan Field (D-8th District) asked Owens to hold the resolution for further discussion after noting that residents in his district, which encompasses the lively bar strip in Trolley Square along with neighboring areas like Forty Acres and the Highlands, have raised concerns about activity outside of the bars in the area after midnight.
“Why use one of our chips with Dover on an ask or suggest to them that we want this when its not clear that city residents want this?” Field said.
Councilmembers Michelle Harlee (D-4th District) and Alexander Hackett (D-At-Large) also voiced concerns around whether the measure had enough support from residents and emphasized the need for public safety initiatives to ensure safe driving.
Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver (D-3rd District), who supports the measure, said she passed a similar resolution last year, but couldn’t find a state legislator who wanted to take the proposal to Dover.
The council ultimately approved the resolution with seven members voting in favor. Field voted against it, while Harlee and Councilwoman Latisha Bracy did not take a stance.
Councilmembers Shané Darby, Chris Johnson, and James Spadola were absent.
The City Council also passed Owens’ resolution asking lawmakers in Dover to allow Wilmington to create an excise tax on cigarettes.
The state currently taxes wholesalers who sell cigarettes to retailers at $2.10 for a 20-pack of cigarettes.
The resolution passed with nine in favor, while Darby, Oliver, Johnson, and Spadola were absent.
The city must now secure state lawmakers to sponsor the proposals and introduce them to the General Assembly.
