Local News
Boston bars and restaurants can extend their last call until July 31 under a recently-signed bill.
Scotland fans celebrate outside of The White Bull Tavern on Union Street in Boston. Jessica Rinaldi/Boston Globe
With World Cup tourism and the temporary easing of restrictions related to public drinking and last call, Boston’s nightlife is on the upswing so far this summer. Now, there is a new push on the City Council to keep the party going.
Councilor Brian Worrell filed a measure this week that would permanently allow bars and restaurants in Boston to sell alcohol until 3 a.m.
Worrell’s proposal comes after Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill earlier this month that temporarily allows establishments to serve alcohol until 3 a.m. Municipalities that want to participate must opt-in to the pilot program, which Boston has already done. Close to 200 bars and restaurants across the city have been approved for the extended last call so far. State law typically cuts off alcohol sales at 2 a.m.
The bill also allows for the public consumption of alcohol in locally-designated districts, with certain restrictions. Cambridge officials jumped on the opportunity, opening seven public drinking districts in places like Harvard Square. Boston followed with two of its own districts, one at Union and Marshall streets and another on Temple Place in Downtown Crossing. World Cup fans and other revelers have tightly packed these areas on occasion so far.
The public drinking areas and extended last call can only continue until July 31 under the law Healey signed.
In his home rule petition, Worrell noted that the extended drinking hours have already improved Boston’s perception as a fun city. The extended hours will cause more alcohol sales, more economic activity, and more revenue for the city, he said.
Worrell pointed to a report from the Boston Finance Commission released earlier this month that highlights the “challenging” financial outlook facing the city due to rising costs and falling revenues. The report noted that the city has approached the state on multiple occasions to push for things like a way to upgrade liquor licenses, and suggested that the city should seek more flexibility in areas like this.
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190+ Boston bars and restaurants get extended World Cup hours. See the full list.
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Worrell is expected to introduce his measure during the City Council’s Wednesday meeting, where it will likely be referred to a committee for a possible future hearing. If the measure is approved by the council, it will still need to win support on Beacon Hill.
Some opposition is already bubbling up from law enforcement.
“Scientific evidence shows that greater alcohol consumption leads to higher rates of crime and violence. Truth be told, not a lot of good happens after midnight. But if Brian Worrell thinks keeping bars open til 3AM will boost the fun, he should try going on a ride-a-long,” the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association said in a social media post.
Ross Cristantiello
Ross Cristantiello, a general assignment news reporter for Boston.com since 2022, covers local politics, crime, the environment, and more.
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