BOSTON — The World Cup hasn’t even kicked off yet, but Massachusetts lawmakers are already looking at ways to keep the celebration going later into the night.
A new proposal on Beacon Hill would allow bars and restaurants to stay open until 3 a.m. throughout the tournament, giving fans more time to watch matches and celebrate.
The legislation would:
- Extend last call to 3 a.m. from June 1 through August 31
- Allow cities and towns to designate specific areas where public alcohol consumption is permitted
- Let licensed establishments temporarily sell alcohol for off-premises consumption within those designated zones
The bill was introduced earlier this month by a Fall River state representative, but it’s still unclear whether lawmakers will act on it before the June 1 start date outlined in the proposal.
“We have been preparing for this and would love to see this legislation pass,” said Mayor Wu. “The ability to welcome guests from neighborhoods who are trying to watch the games, that are sometimes really starting late at night and going past when otherwise the businesses would be closing or from visitors around the world who are used to being able to walk around and enjoy late at night. We want all that economic activity to go right back to our local businesses.
“I think no matter what time the businesses open and close, I think no matter if the legislation is passed or not people would be out and about in the city at that time,” said Wu.
With the World Cup just about two weeks away, the clock is ticking for any changes to take effect ahead of the global event.
To learn more about the area, the sport, and all of the upcoming World Cup games, visitbostonsoccerguide2026.com.
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