Legislation Would Push Alcohol Consumption for Summer

English and Dutch football fans drinking together (Wikipedia image)

Legislation that Rep. Carole Fiola introduced last week would allow Massachusetts restaurants and bars to stay open later this summer when the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Foxborough and as 250th celebrations commence across the state.

The legislation (HD 6086) would allow municipalities to let bars and restaurants sell alcohol for an extra hour, but no later than 3 a.m., from June 1 through Aug. 31. During the same period, the legislation would let cities and towns designate areas where public alcohol consumption is permitted. Local authorities could also allow establishments with on-premises alcohol licenses to temporarily sell for off-premises consumption in those designated areas.

The legislation is similar to a bill that’s moving through Rhode Island’s State House in anticipation of the World Cup coming to Gillette Stadium for seven matches from June 13 to July 9. In a May 7 press release, Rhode Island Sen. Matthew LaMountain noted the World Cup is a “huge economic opportunity” for the Ocean State said the legislation will offer safe spaces for fans to watch the games.

In a statement to the News Service, Fiola said the legislation was filed in anticipation of World Cup events taking place across the state.

In March, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill that established a Philadelphia 250 Permit to enable bars, restaurants and nightlife venues to stay open an additional two hours between June 11 and July 20. Kansas lawmakers passed a bill allowing bars, restaurants and clubs to sell alcohol for almost 24 hours - between 6 a.m. and 5 a.m. - for the duration of the World Cup, which runs June 11 through July 19.

On Tuesday, the House referred Fiola's legislation to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, which she co-chairs. It is awaiting a committee assignment from the Senate.