States extend last call hours for alcohol sales during World Cup; bar owners have mixed emotions

U.S. states and one Canadian province are pushing back last-call alcohol sales at bars and restaurants during the FIFA World Cup soccer matches that start Thursday and continue until July 19.

Host states and some neighboring states are hoping to bring in revenue and provide fans with more opportunities to enjoy watching games. The World Cup is also being played in Canadian and Mexican cities. One Canadian province, Ontario, extended the last call from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.

New York and New Jersey are hosting eight matches. New Jersey Democrat Governor Mikie Sherill made a proclamation telling bar owners that they could ask municipal officials to stay open later. 

“Today we're making it easier for residents and visitors to keep the energy going beyond the stadium,” Sherrill said. This is about creating memories that will last a lifetime, bringing people together, and helping businesses across the state take part in this historic moment.” 

Rules related to drinking during the World Cup have been changed in the past. Qatar hosted the tournament in 2022, and it allowed beer sales in specific fan zones. Public consumption of alcohol is otherwise illegal in Qatar.

Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Massachusetts are making changes to extend alcohol sales for World Cup fans. Georgia and Washington relaxed their open container laws during the tournament as well.

Although states are pushing back last call, bars are not required to stay open later and cities can decide the rules, according to the Washington Post. Some bars aren’t staying open later because of logistical or staffing challenges. Others plan to decide based on customer trends when matches begin Thursday. 

Jason Waddleton, owner of a Scottish bar in Boston, said he is providing extra parking, and he has hired a Scottish bagpiper for Saturday night when Scotland plays Haiti in Gillette stadium. Massachusetts extended last call by one hour to 3 a.m. 

“I’ve lived a long life at this stage, I know enough to say that nothing good happens after 2 a.m.,” Waddleton told the Washington Post. “But the World Cup is special. If we’re ever going to do it, let’s do it now.”