Bill Sponsors
Giraldo, Alzate, Voas, and Cruz
Committee
House Municipal Government & Housing
Summary
Select
This bill allows Rhode Island bars and restaurants to apply for temporary extended hours to show 2026 FIFA World Cup games. If approved by their local licensing authority, these establishments can stay open indoors until 4:00 a.m. and serve alcohol until 3:00 a.m. on specific match dates in June and July of 2026. Businesses must apply at least 14 days in advance, and there is no application fee. Local authorities have the right to approve or reject these requests for any reason.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Fosters community engagement and cultural celebration by creating spaces for people of diverse backgrounds to gather and watch an international sporting event together.
- Provides an economic boost to local hospitality businesses and allows service industry workers to earn additional wages and tips during the extended hours.
- Maintains local democratic control by allowing municipal licensing authorities to review, approve, or reject applications based on the specific needs and concerns of their communities.
Cons for Progressives
- May increase the risk of late-night drunk driving and alcohol-related incidents, potentially endangering public safety and community welfare.
- Could place an additional strain on essential public services, such as police, emergency medical technicians, and public transit, during the early morning hours.
- Might lead to noise and nuisance complaints in mixed-use or low-income neighborhoods where residential housing is located close to late-night establishments.
Pros for Conservatives
- Promotes free enterprise and corporate freedom by temporarily deregulating operating hours, allowing businesses to maximize their revenue during a major global event.
- Reduces government burdens on businesses by explicitly prohibiting local authorities from charging application fees for the extended hours permits.
- Expands personal freedom by giving individuals the choice to stay out later and consume alcohol while watching the games without strict state-mandated curfews.
Cons for Conservatives
- May conflict with traditional social values by encouraging excessive late-night alcohol consumption and potential public intoxication.
- Grants arbitrary power to local government authorities, who are allowed to reject applications "for any reason," potentially opening the door to political favoritism or unfair targeting of specific businesses.
- Only offers temporary, event-specific relief rather than enacting permanent, broad deregulation of business operating hours.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely. The bill regulates commercial liquor licenses, which is well within the state's police powers under the 21st Amendment. The provision allowing municipalities to reject applications "for any reason" could theoretically invite arbitrary or discriminatory denials (potentially raising Equal Protection or Due Process concerns if abused), but on its face, standard liquor licensing discretion is generally constitutional.
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Bar and restaurant owners
- Service industry workers
- Soccer fans
- Local licensing authorities
- Law enforcement
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
None
Revenue Generated
None
BillBuddy Impact Ratings
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Freedom Impact
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Public Services
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Regulatory
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Clarity of Bill Language
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Environmental Impact
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Privacy Impact
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• 03/20/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/24/2026)
• 03/24/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• 04/24/2026 Scheduled for consideration (04/29/2026)
• 04/24/2026 Proposed Substitute
• 04/29/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• 05/01/2026 Placed on House Calendar (05/05/2026)
• 05/05/2026 House passed Sub A
• 05/22/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (05/28/2026)
• 05/28/2026 Senate passed Sub A in concurrence
• 05/28/2026 Transmitted to Governor
• 05/29/2026 Signed by Governor
• 03/20/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/24/2026)
• 03/24/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• 04/24/2026 Scheduled for consideration (04/29/2026)
• 04/24/2026 Proposed Substitute
• 04/29/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• 05/01/2026 Placed on House Calendar (05/05/2026)
• 05/05/2026 House passed Sub A
• 05/22/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (05/28/2026)
• 05/28/2026 Senate passed Sub A in concurrence
• 05/28/2026 Transmitted to Governor
• 05/29/2026 Signed by Governor
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Title 3 of the General Laws entitled "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter: CHAPTER 7.1 TEMPORARY EXTENDED SERVICE HOURS
3-7.1-1. Authorization of temporary extended service hours.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation to the contrary, any person or establishment possessing the qualifications and meeting the requirements of this title that is licensed to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on premises in any city or town in this state may, for the periods authorized in § 3-7.1-2, operate twenty-four (24) hours a day and sell, serve and allow for the consumption of alcoholic beverages between the hours of six o’clock (6:00) a.m. and five o’clock (5:00) a.m. of the following day. This temporary extension of service hours shall apply to all licensed areas at a licensed establishment. The provisions of this title relating to hours of operation, time of closing or opening, or hours of sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on the premises shall not apply to such licenses for the duration of the temporary extension period, except as provided in § 3-7.1-3.
3-7.1-2. Periods authorized for temporary extension of service hours.
The provisions of this chapter are authorized from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026 (2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament).
3-7.1-3. Municipal modifications-Procedures.
(a) A municipality may opt out, limit, or modify the extended operation and service hours or areas provided under this chapter within their jurisdiction via a resolution of the city or town council, but not less than normal permissible service hours and areas.
(b) Licensees shall not be required to submit any application or pay any fee for the purposes of the temporary extensions granted under this chapter.
(c) Licensees intending to operate during the temporary extended services hours shall notify the local licensing authority or police department at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of operating under the temporary extended service hours granted under this chapter.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
3-7.1-1. Authorization of temporary extended service hours.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation to the contrary, any person or establishment possessing the qualifications and meeting the requirements of this title that is licensed to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on premises in any city or town in this state may, for the periods authorized in § 3-7.1-2, operate twenty-four (24) hours a day and sell, serve and allow for the consumption of alcoholic beverages between the hours of six o’clock (6:00) a.m. and five o’clock (5:00) a.m. of the following day. This temporary extension of service hours shall apply to all licensed areas at a licensed establishment. The provisions of this title relating to hours of operation, time of closing or opening, or hours of sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on the premises shall not apply to such licenses for the duration of the temporary extension period, except as provided in § 3-7.1-3.
3-7.1-2. Periods authorized for temporary extension of service hours.
The provisions of this chapter are authorized from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026 (2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament).
3-7.1-3. Municipal modifications-Procedures.
(a) A municipality may opt out, limit, or modify the extended operation and service hours or areas provided under this chapter within their jurisdiction via a resolution of the city or town council, but not less than normal permissible service hours and areas.
(b) Licensees shall not be required to submit any application or pay any fee for the purposes of the temporary extensions granted under this chapter.
(c) Licensees intending to operate during the temporary extended services hours shall notify the local licensing authority or police department at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of operating under the temporary extended service hours granted under this chapter.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
SECTION 1. Title 3 of the General Laws entitled "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter: CHAPTER 7.1 TEMPORARY EXTENDED SERVICE HOURS
3-7.1-1. Authorization of temporary extended service hours.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation to the contrary, any person or establishment possessing the qualifications and meeting the requirements of this title that is licensed to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on premises in any city or town in this state may, for the periods authorized in § 3-7.1-2, apply to their licensing authority at least fourteen (14) days in advance to:
(1) Operate beyond its normal closing time and until up to four o’clock (4:00) a.m.; and
(2) To sell, serve and allow for the consumption of alcoholic beverages beyond its normal cut off time and until up to three o’clock (3:00) a.m.
(b) This temporary extension of service hours shall apply only to indoor areas at licensed establishments, and shall not be applicable to any special permits issued by a licensing authority unless explicitly granted by that body.
(c) The provisions of this title relating to hours of operation, time of closing or opening, or hours of sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on the premises shall not apply to such licenses approved for any temporary extension period, except as provided in § 3-7.1- 3.
3-7.1-2. Periods authorized for temporary extension of service hours.
The provisions of this chapter are authorized only for the dates enumerated herein and for the express purpose of offering public watch opportunities for 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament matches beginning on any of the following dates and continuing through the authorized period granted by the local licensing authority in the morning of the succeeding day in calendar year 2026: June 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27; July 2, and 3.
3-7.1-3. Municipal authorization-Procedures.
(a) A licensing authority may authorize or reject in full or in part for any reason an application by a licensee for the extended operation and service hours or areas provided under this chapter within their jurisdiction.
(b) Licensees shall not be required to submit any application fee for the purposes of the temporary extensions granted under this chapter.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
3-7.1-1. Authorization of temporary extended service hours.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation to the contrary, any person or establishment possessing the qualifications and meeting the requirements of this title that is licensed to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on premises in any city or town in this state may, for the periods authorized in § 3-7.1-2, apply to their licensing authority at least fourteen (14) days in advance to:
(1) Operate beyond its normal closing time and until up to four o’clock (4:00) a.m.; and
(2) To sell, serve and allow for the consumption of alcoholic beverages beyond its normal cut off time and until up to three o’clock (3:00) a.m.
(b) This temporary extension of service hours shall apply only to indoor areas at licensed establishments, and shall not be applicable to any special permits issued by a licensing authority unless explicitly granted by that body.
(c) The provisions of this title relating to hours of operation, time of closing or opening, or hours of sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on the premises shall not apply to such licenses approved for any temporary extension period, except as provided in § 3-7.1- 3.
3-7.1-2. Periods authorized for temporary extension of service hours.
The provisions of this chapter are authorized only for the dates enumerated herein and for the express purpose of offering public watch opportunities for 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament matches beginning on any of the following dates and continuing through the authorized period granted by the local licensing authority in the morning of the succeeding day in calendar year 2026: June 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27; July 2, and 3.
3-7.1-3. Municipal authorization-Procedures.
(a) A licensing authority may authorize or reject in full or in part for any reason an application by a licensee for the extended operation and service hours or areas provided under this chapter within their jurisdiction.
(b) Licensees shall not be required to submit any application fee for the purposes of the temporary extensions granted under this chapter.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
Changes in H8009A:
The amended bill reduces extended alcohol service hours from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and limits closing to 4:00 a.m. Extensions now apply only to indoor areas on specific World Cup match dates, rather than the whole tournament. Establishments must apply 14 days in advance, replacing the 24-hour notification, and municipalities must explicitly approve these applications.
- Operating hours are reduced from 24 hours a day to closing at up to 4:00 a.m.
- Alcohol service cutoff is reduced from 5:00 a.m. to up to 3:00 a.m.
- Licensees must now submit an application to their licensing authority 14 days in advance, eliminating the simple 24-hour advance notification requirement.
- The temporary extension is restricted to indoor areas only, rather than all licensed areas.
- The authorized period is narrowed from a continuous duration (June 11 through July 19, 2026) to 14 specific match dates.
- Municipalities are now required to explicitly authorize or reject applications, changing the procedure from an "opt-out" resolution process.
- The exemption from submitting an application is removed; licensees must apply, though they are still exempt from paying an application fee.
The amended bill reduces extended alcohol service hours from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and limits closing to 4:00 a.m. Extensions now apply only to indoor areas on specific World Cup match dates, rather than the whole tournament. Establishments must apply 14 days in advance, replacing the 24-hour notification, and municipalities must explicitly approve these applications.
- Operating hours are reduced from 24 hours a day to closing at up to 4:00 a.m.
- Alcohol service cutoff is reduced from 5:00 a.m. to up to 3:00 a.m.
- Licensees must now submit an application to their licensing authority 14 days in advance, eliminating the simple 24-hour advance notification requirement.
- The temporary extension is restricted to indoor areas only, rather than all licensed areas.
- The authorized period is narrowed from a continuous duration (June 11 through July 19, 2026) to 14 specific match dates.
- Municipalities are now required to explicitly authorize or reject applications, changing the procedure from an "opt-out" resolution process.
- The exemption from submitting an application is removed; licensees must apply, though they are still exempt from paying an application fee.