States Extend Last Call Hours for Alcohol Sales During World Cup

U.S. states and one Canadian province have extended last-call hours for alcohol sales at bars and restaurants during the FIFA World Cup that begins Thursday and continues until July 19. Host states and some neighboring states are making the changes to increase revenue and give fans more time to watch games. The tournament is also being played in Canadian and Mexican cities.

Ontario extended last call from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.

New York and New Jersey are hosting eight matches. Officials in New Jersey issued a proclamation allowing bar owners to request permission from municipal officials to stay open later. Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Massachusetts are also adjusting rules to extend alcohol sales. Georgia and Washington relaxed open-container laws during the tournament.

Some bars are choosing not to stay open later due to staffing or logistical issues. Others are waiting to see customer demand once matches start.

““I’ve lived a long life at this stage, I know enough to say that nothing good happens after 2 a.m. But the World Cup is special.”

Rules related to drinking during the World Cup have been changed in the past. Qatar hosted the tournament in 2022 and allowed beer sales in specific fan zones. Public consumption of alcohol is otherwise illegal in Qatar. Although states are pushing back last call, bars are not required to stay open later and cities can decide the rules.