By Sara QuamThe Howling Dog Saloon wanted to be open Christmas Eve, which falls on a Saturday this year.Manager Jodi Christy requested that she and other bars in the city of Luverne be able to serve alcohol after 8 p.m. The city ordinance specifies that establishments can’t serve past that time on Christmas Eve, although they may remain open.Christy said, "Being that Saturday is our busiest day of the weekend it hurts business. … And a lot of people don’t have family to celebrate with, or they celebrate on a night other than Christmas Eve."State law doesn’t restrict hours on nights that would be considered holidays, but the city ordinance does.Councilman Esther Frakes said, "I appreciate your position and that you came forward tonight, but personally, it’s one more step in a direction that I don’t think we should be going."Administrator John Call said, "I believe it would set a bad precedent to allow a bar to get a waiver on our current city ordinance."In other business the Luverne City Council:oApproved the purchase of a new garbage truck that will arrive in July. The truck has a larger cab, which is better for the operator, and has a 27-yard box rather than the current 24-yard box. The cost is $178,920 and was a budgeted purchase.oAgreed to pay $19,000 to the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce for promotion of various events and features of the community.The Chamber will promote the events/programs of Buffalo Days, Hot Dog Night, Border to Border Triathlon, Winterfest, Tri-State Band Festival, Luverne Home Show and Hometown Greeter. The Chamber will also promote public facilities and features of Blue Mounds State Park, Blue Mounds Biker/Hiking Trail and the Main Street Entrance Area.The Council said the city benefits from the Chamber’s efforts for economic health and growth.oRenewed on- and/or off-sale liquor licenses for Magnolia Lounge Bar and Steakhouse, Pamida, Pizza Hut, Shell Food Shop, Phillips 66 Pump ‘N Pack, Sharkee’s, Smokey Bears Pizza, American Legion, Casey’s, Eagles Club, Glen’s Food Center, Blue Mound Banquet and Meeting Center, Glen’s Food and Gas, Howling Dog Saloon, Korner Gas Stop and Luverne Lanes.