Home Economy Economic Activity Healey signs bill extending bar, eatery hours in Mass. during World Cup

Healey signs bill extending bar, eatery hours in Mass. during World Cup

By

PBN Staff

-

06/09/2026

MASSACHUSETTS GOV. Maura T. Healey signed a bill that allows cities and bars to opt into a plan that will allow those establishments to remain open until 3 a.m. until July 31. / AP FILE PHOTO / JESSICA RINALDI

PROVIDENCE – Massachusetts is joining Rhode Island in allowing bars and restaurants to stay open longer during games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Massachusetts Gov. Maura T. Healey signed a bill on Monday that allows cities and bars to opt into a plan that will allow those establishments to remain open until 3 a.m. until July 31,

Already a Subscriber? Log in

To Continue Reading This Article

Become a Providence Business News subscriber and get immediate access to all of our premier content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

Critical RI business news and analysis updated daily.
1 year of print (26 issues).
Unlimited access to all subscriber only content on our website, on any device.
Free email alerts.
Annual Book of Lists Print Edition.
All special issues produced during subscription term.

Click Here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article

PBN Branded Content

The Most Undervalued Asset in Business: The Right Connection

By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Private Office Advisor Engel & Volkers Oceanside www.DiSpiritoteam.com…

Learn More

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

PROVIDENCE – Massachusetts is joining Rhode Island in allowing bars and restaurants to stay open longer during games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Massachusetts Gov. Maura T. Healey signed a bill on Monday that allows cities and bars to opt into a plan that will allow those establishments to remain open until 3 a.m. until July 31, subject to individual town and city regulations, WPRI-TV CBS 12 reported. “This bill will provide more opportunities for people to celebrate with their community for the World Cup and the other exciting events we have happening this summer for MA250 [the commonwealth’s America 250 celebration],” Healey said. “It will also support our local businesses and regional economies as they see a surge in visitors.” On May 29, the R.I. General Assembly passed a bill that allows liquor sales at Rhode Island bars and restaurants until 3 a.m., and open hours until 4 a.m., during certain World Cup matches occurring between June 11 and July 3. Currently, alcohol sales are prohibited after 1 a.m. in Rhode Island on weekday mornings and 2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings; sales stop at 2 a.m. in Massachusetts seven days a week. “The FIFA World Cup is by far the largest sporting event in the world and presents Rhode Island with a unique economic opportunity,” Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo, D-Central Falls said. “The bill provides municipalities with the flexibility to participate in the economic opportunities of this tournament by providing patrons with a safe venue to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event.” Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., is hosting seven games for the FIFA World Cup 2026 from June 11 to July 19. Dubbed the “Rhode Island Summer of Soccer,” state officials want to capitalize on what is estimated to be as many as 1 million visitors to the region over the 39 days. Estimates suggest the influx of World Cup tourists could generate more than $300 million in economic impact for Rhode Island, as more than 400,000 visitors are expected to travel through the Providence metro area during the tournament. Scotland’s “Tartan Army,” which is estimated to bring 5,000 to 10,000 visitors for the June 13 match versus Haiti. Providence is hosting a FIFA-approved "PVD FanZone" that will take place from June 11-19 at Station Park. The free event will include live music, food vendors and a Jumbotron broadcasting every match. In Pawtucket, the city will combine its annual arts festival with the country’s 250th anniversary festivities and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The series also includes youth soccer clinics and a “cultural elegance” reception at Centreville Bank Stadium for the Ghana national team on June 21. At City Hall, Pawtucket will host the first of two viewing parties for the Team USA opening match against Paraguay on June 12, and another on June 27 for the match between Portugal and Columbia.