An Oread neighborhood bar is inching closer to being allowed to stay open until 2 a.m.

Bullwinkle’s, 1344 Tenn., is seeking a special-use permit that would allow it to convert from a cereal malt beverage establishment that must close at midnight to a regular full-service drinking establishment that could stay open until 2 a.m.

City commissioners at their meeting Tuesday delayed taking final action on the permit but said they were open to the idea if the property owner and city staff could create a plan to discourage patrons from congregating outside the bar.

Staff members said they likely would put together a plan that would replace grass on the site with thorny bushes or other landscaping that would make it difficult to stand in the area.