The bill amends Title 3 of the General Laws concerning "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES" by introducing a new chapter, CHAPTER 7.1, which establishes provisions for temporary extended service hours for licensed establishments during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament. Specifically, it allows these establishments to apply for permission to operate until 4:00 a.m. and serve alcoholic beverages until 3:00 a.m. on designated dates in June and July 2026, including June 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27; July 2, and 3. Applications must be submitted to the local licensing authority at least 14 days in advance.

The bill clarifies that these extended hours apply only to indoor areas of licensed establishments and do not affect any special permits unless explicitly granted by the licensing authority. Local licensing authorities have the discretion to approve or reject applications for extended hours in full or in part for any reason, and licensees are not required to submit any application fee for the temporary extensions granted under this chapter. The provisions of this chapter are intended solely for the specified dates related to the FIFA World Cup matches, and the act will take effect upon passage.