This bill authorizes municipalities to participate in a temporary pilot program that allows for extended hours of liquor licenses and permits public consumption of alcoholic beverages in designated districts during the summer of 2026. Specifically, it enables local licensing authorities to grant licenses for off-premises consumption in social consumption districts starting June 8, 2026. Only establishments located within these designated districts will be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption within those areas.

Additionally, the bill permits licensed establishments to serve alcoholic beverages on-premises for one extra hour beyond their usual closing time, not exceeding 3:00 a.m., from June 8 until July 31, 2026, contingent upon local regulations and licensing conditions. It also allows cities and towns to designate specific areas where public consumption of alcohol is permitted, with the stipulation that such consumption is limited to beverages sold by participating local licensees. The act will take effect upon passage and will expire on July 31, 2026.