Boston officials are debating whether to extend the state-mandated 2 a.m. closing time for bars and restaurants until 4 a.m. in certain Boston neighborhoods during the 2004 Democratic National Convention this summer.

The proposal which would affect bars around the FleetCenter as well as Back Bay and the Fenway, according to The Boston Globe has faced opposition from neighborhood groups.

Although there is no proposal yet, Boston bars and clubs are already considering the effect the extended hours would have on their business and community.

Boston Beer Works co-owner Joe Slesar, said he is in favor of extending club and bar hours to provide service to members of the convention.

‘It sends the right message to people who are thinking of booking conventions in Boston,’ he said.

But Susan Prindle, president of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay, said she is concerned about the impact of this plan on the residential neighborhood.

According to Prindle, it is not an issue of drinking, but rather of public safety. She said she is worried this will set a precedent that would change current state law, which requires all clubs and bars to close by 2 a.m.

‘You need to have a balance between residential and commercial interests so that they both function well,’ Prindle said.

According to Peter Catalano of the Fenway Action Coalition, many Fenway residents have left the community because of the noise and disruption and have been replaced by students.

‘It’s about time they got a taste of their own medicine,’ Catalano said. He added he does not have much sympathy for Back Bay residents who have ignored the concerns of the Fenway community in the past.

‘The streets and sidewalks belong to the clubs,’ Catalano said.

Mayor Thomas Menino has not been presented with a formal proposal yet, according to Mayor’s office spokesman Seth Gittell.

‘We will study the issue when a proposal is put before us,’ Gitell said. ‘Anything else would be premature at this time.’

Crossroads Irish Pub owner Michael Brodigan said he is interested to see how everything unfolds and would favor the proposal if it would help to further the appeal of Boston to groups who are thinking of holding conventions in the area.

Slesar said he is not sure how the proposal will affect his business but welcomes it nonetheless. Brodigan also said the benefits of extending bar hours must be balanced against the additional costs of keeping the bar open.

‘It’s a new thing I don’t know how successful it will be,’ Brodigan said. He said he is concerned the proposal may alienate some of his neighbors.

If the proposal is approved, students will also be affected by the extended hours.

College of Communication junior Jennifer Pasquale said the clubs should not extend their hours for Democratic National Convention attendees.

Although she admitted she would take advantage of the opportunity to stay out later, Pasquale said she does not feel it is right for businesses to change their routines for a small group of people. It would be different if one restaurant decided to extend their hours, she said.

‘If you give in to one, you have to give in to all,’ she said.