Seeking a Safe and Sane 4th of July : Revelry: Merchants favor early closing of businesses to forestall any holiday disturbances in Huntington Beach.

In an effort to curb the kind of disturbances that have marred Fourth of July celebrations in the past, a majority of downtown merchants say they support closing their businesses early, even though the holiday is one of the busiest days of the year.

“We don’t want to have a place where (rowdy revelers) can hang out,” said Stephen Daniel, president of the Downtown Business Assn. “We want to put a stop to this Fourth of July stuff.”

Daniel, owner of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory on Main Street, said that merchants during the past month have been discussing an early July 4 closing and that they proposed the plan to Police Chief Ronald E. Lowenberg at a meeting last week.

Daniel said about 75% of business owners favor closing at 7 p.m.--in time for the annual 8 p.m. fireworks show at nearby Huntington Beach High School.

“A couple of people might not want to do that, but they’re going to be in the minority,” Daniel said.

Michael Padilla, manager of BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria on Main Street, said that closing businesses at sunset is a wise decision, despite the potential loss of sales. Padilla added that the restaurant owner has not decided yet whether to close early.

“Of course, it’s going to hurt some businesses, but if it saves the city from a riot, I’m all for it,” Padilla said. Downtown “has definitely had a history of getting out of control,” he said.

More than 50 people were arrested last year following melees downtown during the Fourth of July weekend. Main Street businesses were closed when the celebration turned rowdy.

Police officials and downtown residents favor early closings as a way to discourage revelers from congregating downtown.

Police Lt. Dan Johnson said a change is sorely needed to discourage people from congregating and causing problems.

“The situation downtown has gotten worse,” he said. “We’ve had more violent incidents over the years. If we can voluntarily get the merchants to shut their doors, that’s super. Do we really want to be known as a place for riots? We want to be known as a family place to go to the beach for the Fourth of July, not for a riot.”

Some businesses, however, won’t close their doors.

Scott Blaisdell, manager of the Longboard Restaurant and Pub at Main and Olive streets, said his establishment will remain open for business, noting that the holiday is one of the restaurant’s busiest days.

“We want to be responsible to the community and we certainly don’t want to encourage mishaps,” Blaisdell said. “But at the same time, I don’t think our business needs a hand.”