It’s difficult to pinpoint how much of a difference it would make to close the bars in St. Charles – bars that sometimes attract overly rowdy patrons to the city’s downtown streets – at 1 a.m. instead of 2.

It would be worthwhile to find out.

St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte recently urged the Government Operations Committee to approve bumping up closing time by an hour at bars and restaurants with liquor licenses. The committee unanimously supported the measure, and the City Council is expected to discuss the issue at Tuesday’s meeting. Public input will be welcome.