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Rhode Island bill proposes 24-hour bar hours during World Cup
Under the legislation, the extended hours would apply from June 11 through July 19 throughout the state.
Rhode Island lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow restaurants and bars to operate around the clock during the upcoming World Cup, potentially opening the door for increased business and tourism activity throughout the state.
Under the legislation (H. 8009), the extended hours would apply from June 11 through July 19. During that window, licensed bars and restaurants could remain open 24 hours a day, with the exception of a one-hour pause in alcohol service between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Businesses would not need to submit an application or pay a fee to extend hours.
The measure was introduced in late February by Representative Josh Giraldo, a Democrat representing Central Falls. It was later reviewed by the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee, which recommended on March 24 to hold the bill for further study.
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Giraldo has framed the proposal as a way to ease restrictions on businesses during a high-demand event.
“At its core this is about recognizing the once-in-a-generation moment for the largest sporting event in the world and to make sure Rhode Island is ready to meet it,” Giraldo told members of the House Municipal Government Committee on Tuesday, March 24.
Giraldo did not respond to Boston.com’s requests for comment in time for publication.
If approved, participation would be optional for cities and towns, which could opt out entirely or impose their own limits on extended hours. Bars choosing to participate would also need to notify their local police at least 24 hours in advance of operating.
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“This [bill] was designed to be a tool, and one that’s temporary, targeted and tied to a specific global event that won’t come back into this region for decades,” Giraldo said at the hearing.
The Rhode Island Hospitality Association has voiced strong support for the measure, emphasizing both its economic potential and its alignment with a major international event.
“H. 8009 by Representative Giraldo presents a unique, time-limited opportunity for Rhode Island’s hospitality industry to participate in a global event that will bring increased attention and activity to our state,” Ryan Moot, manager of government affairs at the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, wrote in a statement to Boston.com.
“With matches taking place across multiple time zones, many will fall outside of traditional business hours. Allowing temporary extended service hours ensures that restaurants and bars can meet this demand in a safe, regulated, and responsible way,” he added.
Moot also highlighted ongoing financial pressures facing restaurants and bars, including rising labor and food costs. Extending operating hours during a period of heightened demand, he argued, would allow businesses to bring in additional revenue, expand employee shifts, and boost earnings for workers who depend on hourly wages and tips – while also increasing tax revenue for the state.
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“For many hospitality businesses, this is more than added flexibility, it’s a meaningful economic opportunity,” he wrote.
The organization also emphasized that the proposal maintains local control, allowing cities and towns the flexibility to tailor participation based on community needs. Requiring advance notice to law enforcement, the association added, would help ensure public safety.
The bill remains under consideration as lawmakers continue to evaluate its potential impact.
Rhode Island bill for 24-hour bars during World Cup
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