By JIM BUTLER

Saloons, bars and lounges in unincorporated areas of the parish now have permanent permission for special operating hours on Super Bowl Sunday.

Until January’s change by the Police Jury that Sunday was like every other – the establishments close at 2 a.m. and must remain dark through midnight.

But the day of the annual NFL extravaganza, regardless of who is playing, is a bountiful one for the hospitality industry as fans flock to favorite haunts well before late-afternoon kickoff and often remain until past the last snap.

As amended, any establishment which realizes at least 40 percent of its gross revenue from alcohol sales can now open at noon that one Sunday annually (they must still close at 2 a.m. Sunday) and must be closed and empty by midnight.

So this year, whether you’re a San Francisco or a Kansas City fan, or just like Usher (halftime entertainment), you can get your table beginning at noon.

The jury vote was unanimous, as was the count for re-electing Joe Bishop president and Sean McGlothlin vice president.