BOSTON (SHNS) – Gov. Maura Healey wants bars and clubs to be able to stay open later, for longer than just the summer pilot that ends in two weeks.
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Trying to shake off Massachusetts’s reputation as “boring” in the presence of international visitors for a host of summer events, the governor and Legislature authorized a temporary, two-month extension of last call for bars in June and July.
The law allowed bars to extend last call an hour beyond their license limit, until 3 a.m. at the latest, and allowed for public alcohol consumption “districts” through July 31. Both required individual municipalities to opt in before the measures could take effect.
Lawmakers pitched the bill as a way to make the most of an influx of international visitors this summer for the World Cup held in Foxborough, creating an opportunity for local businesses from increased foot traffic and more spending on later nights…