Authorizes temporary periods for extended service hours under existing liquor licenses for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament, subject to limitations or opt out by a municipality via council resolution.

RI Bill Summary: Extended Bar Hours for 2026 FIFA World Cup

This bill would temporarily allow bars, restaurants, and other establishments with existing liquor licenses in Rhode Island to serve alcohol during extended hours specifically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament. Under normal circumstances, Rhode Island businesses must stop serving alcohol at a set time, but this legislation would create exceptions during the tournament so that venues could stay open later to accommodate fans watching matches, which may be broadcast at unusual hours depending on game schedules.

The bill affects any Rhode Island business that currently holds a liquor license, such as bars, restaurants, and clubs. These establishments would have the opportunity — but not necessarily the requirement — to take advantage of the extended serving hours during World Cup events. Importantly, the bill gives individual cities and towns some control over the policy: local city or town councils could pass their own resolution to either place additional restrictions on the extended hours or opt out of the policy entirely, meaning it would not apply in their community.

As of now, the bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee. The committee has recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced through the legislative process. A hearing was scheduled for March 24, 2026, so lawmakers are still in the early stages of reviewing and debating the proposal.