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Massachusetts Bill Would Let Bars Stay Open Until 3 a.m. This Summer

Sponsors say the local opt-in plan would boost small businesses by capturing late-night tourism tied to the World Cup.

Overview

  • Rep. Carole Fiola filed HD 6086 to temporarily extend last-call hours and the bill was referred to the House Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies on Tuesday.
  • The proposal would let municipalities push closing times back one hour to no later than 3 a.m. and run from June 1 through Aug. 31.
  • The bill also would allow cities and towns to create designated public-drinking areas and let on-premises licensees temporarily sell alcohol for off-premises consumption in those zones.
  • Local licensing boards would decide whether to opt in and implementation could require permits, safety plans, or other local rules while the measure awaits further committee review and a Senate assignment.
  • Supporters say later hours will help businesses handle World Cup crowds, but other states’ plans show the need to watch for added policing, emergency-service strain, and the details of municipal permit rules.