Extended alcohol sales refers to the policy of permitting restaurants, bars, taverns and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages to extend the hours during which time they may legally serve alcohol.

Some who favor such a policy argue that it can reduce the number of impaired drivers who are on the road when moviegoers and others are returning home. Others argue that it can benefit the hospitality industry and tourism.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and some others argue that the policy increases drunk driving and alcohol-related traffic accidents. Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD, is a non-profit organization in the United States. ...

Empirical research has not yet resolved the issue.

Source

Adapted from Extended Alcohol Sales, which includes additional information and references.