Overview
- Governor Maura Healey submitted written testimony to the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, urging lawmakers to advance H.5465 so bars and restaurants could stay open until 3 a.m. for the summer.
- The bill, filed by Rep. Carole Fiola, would run from June 1 through Aug. 31, 2026, let licensed venues sell alcohol one hour later (up to 3 a.m.) and allow cities to create designated social-consumption districts for public drinking in approved spaces.
- The measure is still pending in the committee and must win House and Senate approval and then local opt-ins by municipal licensing boards before any late‑hours or public‑consumption rules take effect.
- Supporters including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the Greater Boston Chamber argue the change would capture World Cup and other visitor spending, while many hospitality workers warn it could lengthen shifts, raise safety concerns for staff, and increase strain on police and emergency services.
- Lawmakers cite out-of-state precedents such as Rhode Island and Philadelphia, but key implementation details — permit rules, required security plans, enforcement roles and costs — remain unresolved and will determine how or whether municipalities adopt the policy.