Board to decide if bowling after midnight is OK in South Boston or if that's more of a Dorchester idea

The Boston Licensing Board could decide tomorrow whether to let South Boston Candlepins, 543 East Broadway, extend its closing time for both bowling and drinking from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Manager John Tunney told the board he is not actually seeking to stay open until 1 a.m. most nights, that midnight is more what he's looking for to meet demand from customers, but that a 1 a.m. closing time would give him flexibility should a particular event or league run a bit late.

"I would not want to hit 12:01 and then rush everybody out," he said, adding that is already something he has to do now with one league that has lanes reserved until 11 p.m.

An aide to City Councilor Ed Flynn said the councilor and residents were aghast at the idea of keglers launching out onto Broadway at 1 a.m.

"There are many concerns from the neighbors," she said, adding, however, that the councilor could support a midnight closing time.

Boston Bowling, on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester, once offered 24-hour bowling, but is now open until just 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.