ALBANY, N.Y. — Bars and restaurants in New York State will be able to stay open later than normal during the FIFA World Cup.
The World Cup, the first men’s tournament the U.S. has hosted since 1994, will begin later this week. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that allows licensed establishments to stay open and serve alcohol until 4 a.m. during the tournament, giving them permission to stay open for late games. Some World Cup games are scheduled to start as late as midnight Eastern Time.
The law takes effect immediately and expires on July 21, after the World Cup is over. Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol for the extended hours unless their county has adopted stricter regulations or they have a more restrictive license from the State Liquor Authority.
As News10NBC has covered, soccer bars in Rochester expect a big boost in business as they show the games. Some are also offering special deals.
One-day permit for special World Cup events
In addition to the extended hours for bars, the state is allowing World Cup event organizers to apply for a one-day permit allowing them to serve alcohol off-site. Also, bars and restaurants can apply for a permit to serve alcohol at a contiguous outdoor space for World Cup events, instead of the current maximum of four days. You can apply through the State Liquor Authority website.
Viewing party in Rochester’s East End
The East and Alex entertainment district in downtown Rochester will host a watch party for Team USA’s first match on Friday, June 12. It’s happening from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The area of East Avenue and Alexander Street will be closed to traffic during that time. Organizers say it will feature two massive TV walls, live music from the Zac Brown Tribute Band, food trucks, games, and more. The match begins at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, with Team USA taking on Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. Both screens and bars in the area will show the game.
In April, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Visit Rochester would get more than $24,000 to host viewing parties in the East and Alex entertainment district.
More World Cup coverage:
- SOCCER TOWN, USA | East & Alexander prepares for World Cup Watch Party
- World Cup kicks off Thursday and The Boot Room Pub is already adjusting hours to keep the games going
- Syracuse soccer standout Miles Robinson set to represent Team USA at the World Cup
- Various regions in NYS, including in Rochester, to get funding to celebrate World Cup
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