2026 -- H 8009

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LC005706

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- TEMPORARY EXTENDED SERVICE

HOURS

     Introduced By: Representatives Giraldo, Alzate, Voas, and Cruz

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House Municipal Government & Housing

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 3 of the General Laws entitled "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 7.1

TEMPORARY EXTENDED SERVICE HOURS

     3-7.1-1. Authorization of temporary extended service hours.

     Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation to the contrary, any person or

establishment possessing the qualifications and meeting the requirements of this title that is licensed

to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on premises in any city or town in

this state may, for the periods authorized in § 3-7.1-2, operate twenty-four (24) hours a day and

sell, serve and allow for the consumption of alcoholic beverages between the hours of six o’clock

(6:00) a.m. and five o’clock (5:00) a.m. of the following day. This temporary extension of service

hours shall apply to all licensed areas at a licensed establishment. The provisions of this title relating

to hours of operation, time of closing or opening, or hours of sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink

at retail for consumption on the premises shall not apply to such licenses for the duration of the

temporary extension period, except as provided in § 3-7.1-3.

     3-7.1-2. Periods authorized for temporary extension of service hours.

     The provisions of this chapter are authorized from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026

(2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament).

     3-7.1-3. Municipal modifications-Procedures.

     (a) A municipality may opt out, limit, or modify the extended operation and service hours

or areas provided under this chapter within their jurisdiction via a resolution of the city or town

council, but not less than normal permissible service hours and areas.

     (b) Licensees shall not be required to submit any application or pay any fee for the purposes

of the temporary extensions granted under this chapter.

     (c) Licensees intending to operate during the temporary extended services hours shall

notify the local licensing authority or police department at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance

of operating under the temporary extended service hours granted under this chapter.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- TEMPORARY EXTENDED SERVICE

HOURS

***

     This act would authorize temporary periods for extended service hours under existing

liquor licenses for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament, from June 11, 2026 through July 19,

2026, subject to limitations or opt out by a municipality via council resolution.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005706

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