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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: Senators LaMountain, Felag, Burke, Gallo, Tikoian, Ciccone, Britto,
Raptakis, Bissaillon, and Murray

     Date Introduced: February 13, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs

     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.

     (a) 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, apply to their licensing authority at least

fourteen (14) days in advance to:

     (1) Operate beyond its normal closing time and until up to four o’clock (4:00) a.m.; and

     (2) To sell, serve and allow for the consumption of alcoholic beverages beyond its normal

cut off time and until up to three o’clock (3:00) a.m.

     (b) This temporary extension of service hours shall apply only to indoor areas at licensed

establishments, and shall not be applicable to any special permits issued by a licensing authority

unless explicitly granted by that body.

     (c) 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 approved for any 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 only for the dates enumerated herein and for

the express purpose of offering public watch opportunities for 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament

matches beginning on any of the following dates and continuing through the authorized period

granted by the local licensing authority in the morning of the succeeding day in calendar year 2026:

June 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27; July 2, and 3.

     3-7.1-3. Municipal authorization-Procedures.

     (a) A licensing authority may authorize or reject in full or in part for any reason an

application by a licensee for the extended operation and service hours or areas provided under this

chapter within their jurisdiction.

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

temporary extensions 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 allow, but not require, local licensing authorities to grant temporary periods

for extended indoor service hours under existing liquor licenses for certain 2026 FIFA World Cup

Tournament matches occurring between June 11, 2026 and July 3, 2026, for operation until up to

4 a.m. with liquor service until up to 3 a.m.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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