HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The fate of a bill that bans open containers of alcohol inside motor vehicles appears dim.

After 41/2 hours of debate, which touched on everything from racial profiling to tailgating at University of Connecticut football games, Democrat leaders of the House of Representatives decided Tuesday night to pull the bill.

House Majority Leader Christopher Donovan says he's uncertain whether it will come back up for a vote unless there is a compromise. Lawmakers are quickly running out of time. The session ends at midnight on Wednesday.

Current law allows drivers and passengers to have an open container, but the driver cannot be observed drinking. Drunk driving opponents have fought for years to ban open containers.

This bill still allows someone to keep an open container inside a locked glove compartment or in a trunk or hatchback.