Businesses will be required to stop serving drinks by 12:30 a.m. and close by 1 a.m. — a 30-minute reduction from what was previously allotted in the town’s alcohol policy.

A push on Beacon Hill to bring back happy hour has the support of some Island bar owners who see the potential to attract thirsty patrons in the off-season.

The town’s select board voted Tuesday to move up last call for businesses with alcohol by 30 minutes, matching Oak Bluffs with Edgartown.

Three candidates vying for two select board seats in Oak Bluffs took part in a candidate’s forum at the Portuguese American Club Monday, fielding questions about town wastewater management, last call at bars and affordable housing initiatives.

The Oak Bluffs select board signaled Tuesday that it plans to put an article to town meeting that would ban the sale of nip bottles.

Responding to complaints last year, the owners of Back Door Donuts have cooked up new plans to make things a little sweeter for the neighbors this season.

Oak Bluffs, which boasts the largest nightlife scene on the Island, has seen thirsty revelers rush over from other towns after their restaurants and bars close.

The streets are bustling in Oak Bluffs but as crowds return in earnest this year, striking a balance for outdoor space use in Oak Bluffs has become an ever-present issue for the town’s select board.