State leaders across the U.S. are “signing off on extending bar and restaurant hours” during the World Cup, according to Kimberlee Kruesi of the AP. They want to “help businesses and improve fan experiences, particularly for those who may have been priced out of tickets.” Others see the move as a “last-ditch effort to boost sales as expectations for a World Cup economic boon have dampened.” Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington -- states either hosting World Cup matches or adjacent to the activity -- have “approved various measures to extend hours for alcohol sales” during the tournament. Similar proposals are being considered in New York and Massachusetts. The changes mean that closing time won’t come until 4 a.m. ET in Philadelphia during the World Cup and America 250 celebrations. In K.C., some bars can “stay open as late” as 5 a.m CT (AP, 6/1).
LATE NIGHT?: The AP’s Dave Skretta writes with more hours available to drink, some critics “have raised concerns about public safety and potential strain on law enforcement even as the effort has received bipartisan support from lawmakers.” Rhode Island, which is closer than Boston is to World Cup matches host Gillette Stadium, is “weighing whether to extend alcohol sales” to 3 a.m. and closing times to 4 a.m. Currently, last call in the state is 1 a.m., with “some exceptions” for its capital city of Providence. Overall, four World Cup games start at midnight and eight games start at 10 p.m. for those watching in the Eastern time zone -- and just “how big of a demand there will be for late-night bites and drinks is somewhat unknown” (AP, 6/1).
