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.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would allow bars, restaurants, and other businesses that already hold liquor licenses in Rhode Island to temporarily serve alcohol during extended hours specifically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament. Normally, these businesses must stop serving alcohol at a set closing time, but this bill would create exceptions during the tournament so that establishments could legally stay open later to accommodate customers watching World Cup matches, which may be broadcast at unusual hours due to time zone differences.

The bill affects licensed liquor establishments across Rhode Island, as well as the customers who visit them during World Cup events. However, it does not force any community to participate — individual cities and towns have the ability to "opt out" of these extended hours or place their own restrictions on them by passing a resolution through their local city or town council. This means the rules could vary from one municipality to another depending on what local officials decide.

The bill has been introduced and sent to the Senate Committee on Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs for review. If passed, it would be a time-limited measure tied specifically to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning the extended hours would only apply during the tournament period and would not permanently change Rhode Island's liquor service laws.