Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) – The City of Boston will allow a later last call during the World Cup and other events this summer. This comes on the heels of the legislation signed by Massachusetts Gov. Healey earlier this week.
Massachusetts passed a temporary law that allows last call to be pushed back by an hour, going as late as 3 a.m. for some bars and restaurants. It leaves it up to cities and towns to allow for it. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Wednesday that hours would be extended in the city.
Historically, the latest that a bar or restaurant in the state could allow last call is 2 a.m. With the new extension, owners can choose to extend that to 3 a.m. through the end of July.
There is a form for businesses to fill out online, but they will be able to get same-day approval from the city to extend their hours. The extension is based on the bar or restaurant's current liquor license.
Supporters of this temporary change point to the World Cup as the number one reason to keep doors open later. The games on the West Coast will still be playing later into the night, and this will allow fans to keep watching at their favorite spot.
Businesses without the extended license will have to close at their scheduled time.