Overview
- Pennsylvania enacted an America/Philadelphia 250 permit that lets approved Philadelphia establishments serve alcohol until 4 a.m. for the World Cup period running June 11 through July 20.
- As of Thursday, June 11, state and local reporting showed 23 Philadelphia venues publicly approved while the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board continues to review about 65 total applications and six applicants withdrew.
- Applicants paid a $500 fee and had to complete specialized nighttime-safety training; the law imposes a mandatory 30-day hold before permits take effect and gives regulators and city officials the power to protest or revoke approvals.
- In Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey’s temporary opt-in law took effect in early June and at least four cities have approved 3 a.m. last calls with some creating designated public-drinking districts and rules for alcohol-to-go.
- Uptake is uneven—some businesses declined the extensions—and officials say they will monitor public-safety, transit and staffing impacts while using sunset dates and reporting requirements to assess economic benefits and problems.