BOSTON (SHNS) – Legislation that Rep. Carole Fiola introduced 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…