After 15 years in the bar business, Paul Jay knows a few ways to keep things cool at closing time.

"Not turning the bright lights on right at 2 a.m., also keeping the music playing until 2:25 a.m., 2:30 a.m.," he said.

"That way, people are still comfortable in your bar. The people worried about getting cabs early or taking off before the big rush leaves at 1:45 a.m. or 2 a.m."

It's that big rush that police are worried about. As people spill onto the street, there is a dramatic increase in everything from vandalism to fighting, especially at times when the weather is nice and taxis are scarce.

Police are looking for ways to keep things civil after bars close.

"It's a large number of people trying to get out of a small area in a short period of time," said Staff Sgt. Quinn Jacques.

"It's very taxing. The downtown core can house upwards of 30,000 people in licensed premises and with a finite amount of resources, we found ourselves taxed on occasion."

One idea on the table is extending bar's closing hours.

While last call would still happen before 2 a.m., there would be less pressure to push everyone onto the street by 3 a.m.

Now police are floating the idea with bar owners, though some are not sold on the idea.

Some are worried about the added hassle and expense of keeping their doors open later.

Jay said the idea should be tested out before becoming official, but he's willing to give it a try.

"I don't want to see fights, I don't want to see disturbances, and I don't want to see crime, so I think it would be an added bonus if it worked."

Meanwhile, some other business owners say they would also be happy to see the change.

"It might allow the patrons going to the bar venues the chance to come in, get a coffee or tea while they're waiting for a cab and trying to sober up until they go home," said Joe Messina runs a coffee shop that's open as late as most of the bars.

Police say if they do decide to extend bar hours, it wouldn't be a requirement. Clubs can still close early if they want.

They are meeting with several bar owners Thursday to discuss the idea. They said they would need permission from the Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission before any rules could be changed.

If there are any changes, police would likely implement them by next spring when it gets warmer and the streets are busier when bars let out.