(Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）6月8日簽署新法案，截至7 月 31 日止，允許地方政府試辦酒吧營業時間延長至凌晨 3 點，指定區域開放戶外飲酒，以竭盡全力迎接 2026 年世界盃（FIFA World Cup）與美國建國 250 週年慶典帶來的國際觀光潮。
奚莉州長簽署的這項法案名為「授權市鎮參與夏日活動延時與公共飲酒臨時試辦計畫之法案（An Act authorizing municipalities to opt-in to a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026）」，由麻州眾議員費奧拉（Carole A. Fiola）、參議員芬高德（Barry Finegold），以及席爾（Julian Cyr）攜手提出，地方市鎮可自由選擇，若加入，可放寬現行酒精管制，試辦期至今年 7 月 31 日止。
麻州地方市鎮官員期望藉此翻轉麻州「不好玩」的刻板印象，並創造安全、熱鬧的夜生活環境。
這新政策旨在全面捕捉麻州今夏的「百年一遇」商機。麻州今年將主辦 7 場世界盃足球賽，以「麻州250（MA250）」系列活動慶祝美國獨立建國250週年，其中包含波士頓流行管弦樂團的煙火音樂會（Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular），另外有高桅巡洋艦展（Sail Boston）。麻州政府預估這波盛會將吸引數十萬名國際旅客湧來，為當地的餐廳、酒吧及零售業注入強大經濟動能。
觀光業是麻州長期以來的核心經濟支柱，2024 年麻州曾創下吸引 5200 萬多名遊客的紀錄；觀光總消費額突破 240 億美元；不僅支撐全州超過 15 萬個就業機會，更為州政府與地方財政帶來逾 20 億美元的稅收。
Governor Healey Signs Bill Allowing Bars to Stay Open until 3 AM for World Cup, Summer Events
BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act authorizing municipalities to opt-in to a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026. The bill, which was sponsored by Representative Carole Fiola, Senator Barry Finegold, and Senator Julian Cyr, temporarily allows bars to serve alcohol until 3 A.M. and allows public consumption of alcohol in locally designated areas through July 31.
“This bill will provide more opportunities for people to celebrate with their community for the World Cup and the other exciting events we have happening this summer for MA250,” said Governor Healey. "It will also support our local businesses and regional economies as they see a surge in visitors. We’re grateful to our partners in the Legislature for getting this bill across the finish line in time for the World Cup, as well as to the hardworking staff at our bars and restaurants for providing a welcoming and joyful environment for residents and visitors alike.”
“As we welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to Massachusetts this summer, we want to make sure that everyone has the chance to enjoy this once in a generation opportunity,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Allowing bars to stay open an hour later gives more people the chance to celebrate together and supports local businesses.”
“With the World Cup and 250th anniversary celebrations slated to take place in Massachusetts this summer, this pilot program won’t just allow us to better understand the one hour last call extension, it will also ensure that businesses are able to take advantage of the influx of visitors – creating a better experience for everyone,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this bill into law, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for recognizing that this summer is the right moment for this legislation.”
"This summer, the world is coming to Massachusetts — from the World Cup, to the Tall Ships, to America's 250th birthday," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Modernizing our state's alcohol laws will be a boon for our businesses, and this pilot gives us a real opportunity to see how that flexibility can benefit communities across the Commonwealth. I applaud Senators Finegold and Cyr for their work, and am grateful to Governor Healey and our colleagues in the House for their partnership in getting this signed into law."
“Extending serving hours this legislation will help enhance the exciting summer activities that will be occurring all across the Commonwealth. By making these changes it will create a fun atmosphere for residents and tourists alike and will enhance the economy for all our residents,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank Speaker Mariano, Chair Fiola, and all my House colleagues for their support of this critical initiative.”
“We are all on the same team for this one: Massachusetts is giving cities and towns the chance to keep the party going,” said Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “Goallll!”
“This legislation can help create vibrant, welcoming destinations while generating economic activity for restaurants, bars, retailers, and tourism-related businesses who choose to participate. Summer 2026 presents a unique opportunity for Massachusetts,” said Representative Carole A. Fiola (D-Fall River), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “With international visitors expected throughout the region for FIFA World Cup events and celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary, and the return of Tall Ships to the Boston Harbor, communities across the Commonwealth will have an opportunity to showcase their downtowns, waterfronts, cultural districts, restaurants, and small businesses. This bill could help capture economic opportunity for Massachusetts while celebrating this historic tournament that only happens every four years around the world.”
“I’ve said for years that Massachusetts has a ‘fun’ problem, so I am delighted to see Governor Healey sign legislation to bring some much-needed conviviality to our summer,” said Senator Julian Cyr (D-Provincetown). “With scores of visitors set to descend on the Commonwealth, this simple change sends the clear message that we’re ready to make the most out of an unforgettable summer. Let’s show the world that we truly do know how to have a good time in Massachusetts. Cheers!”
“With many exciting tourism activities ahead this summer, local leaders appreciate the Legislature’s swift action on, and the governor’s support for, legislation that will support local economies and bustling downtowns by temporarily changing rules for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, This important local-option supports our local businesses, communities, and their residents,” said Executive Director and CEO of the Massachusetts Municipal Association Adam Chapdelaine.
Through Match Ready Massachusetts, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is coordinating planning efforts across agencies and with local, federal and private-sector partners to deliver a safe, successful and memorable World Cup. In addition to the seven World Cup matches that Massachusetts is hosting, there will also be dozens of events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American revolution through Massachusetts 250, including the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and Sail Boston. Together, millions of viewers and hundreds of thousands of visitors will create a historic opportunity to showcase Massachusetts on the global stage.
Tourism remains a major driver of the Massachusetts economy. The state welcomed more than 52 million visitors in 2024 who spent over $24 billion statewide, supporting more than 155,000 jobs and generating more than $2 billion in state and local tax revenue.
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