Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 9
Massachusetts Extends World Cup Last Call to 3 A.M. Through July as States Loosen Alcohol Rules
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 9

Massachusetts Extends World Cup Last Call to 3 A.M. Through July as States Loosen Alcohol Rules

3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 9

Summary

  • Monday’s law lets Massachusetts bars serve until 3 a.m. through July and allows cities and towns to create public drinking zones, with Gov. Maura Healey signing it days before the tournament starts.
  • Seven World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium helped drive the move, as lawmakers sought to capture late-night spending after Rhode Island last month extended its own last call from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m.
  • Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Ontario have also loosened alcohol rules for the tournament; in Kansas City, some bars can stay open until 5 a.m. under Missouri’s broader 23-hour service allowance.
  • Bar owners welcomed the extra flexibility but said later hours may not be practical because of staffing, logistics and uncertain demand, even as some expand outdoor space and stock up for match crowds.

Insights

With new 3 a.m. last calls, can local businesses overcome the 'hangover effects' that nearly closed chains like Clover?
Why are thousands of World Cup tickets unsold despite projections of a billion-dollar economic boom for Boston?