WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2627

AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- TEMPORARY EXTENDED SERVICE HOURS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 9 co-sponsors

Temporary extended alcohol service hours during the 2026 World Cup allow licensed venues to operate 24/7 and serve 6:00 a.m.–5:00 a.m., with municipal opt-outs.

05/29/2026 Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2627

Summary of SB 2627 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Temporary Extended Service Hours

What this bill does

  • Establishes a temporary, federally-aligned extension of alcohol service hours for licensed establishments during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament.
  • Allows licensed retailers to operate 24 hours a day and to sell, serve, and permit consumption of alcoholic beverages from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following day.
  • Applies to all licensed areas within a licensed establishment (i.e., on-premises consumption) in any city or town, subject to local opt-out or modification.

Key provisions

1) Authorization of temporary extended service hours

  • New Chapter 3-7.1 “Temporary Extended Service Hours.”
  • Eligible establishments: Any person or business licensed to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption, meeting existing qualifications.
  • Extension window: During the periods authorized in § 3-7.1-2, establishments may operate 24 hours and sell/serve alcohol from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. the next day.
  • Scope: The temporary extension applies to all licensed areas at a licensed establishment.
  • Relationship to other law: General hours and sale restrictions under current liquor laws are suspended for the duration of the temporary extension, except as otherwise provided in § 3-7.1-3.

2) Authorized period

  • The temporary extension is authorized from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026, aligned with the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament.

3) Municipal opt-out and procedures

  • Municipal option to opt out, limit, or modify the extended hours within their jurisdiction via a city/town council resolution.
  • Opt-out does not have to reduce below normal permissible service hours and areas; it can set limits consistent with existing local authority.
  • No license application or fee is required to participate in the temporary extension.
  • Notification requirement for licensees: If a licensee intends to operate during the extended hours, they must notify the local licensing authority or police department at least 24 hours in advance.

Effective date

  • The act takes effect upon passage.

Impact and potential considerations

  • Temporary economic activity: Aims to accommodate World Cup-related events by increasing potential sales and venue utilization during the tournament period.
  • Local control: Municipalities retain the right to opt out or modify the extension, preserving local governance and public safety considerations.
  • Compliance and enforcement: Licensees must notify authorities; local agencies may need to adjust enforcement, policing, and staffing to handle extended hours.
  • Public health and safety: Extended hours could affect noise, traffic, and public safety; communities that opt out may mitigate these concerns.

Who is affected

  • On-premises alcohol retailers and establishments with liquor licenses.
  • Local governments (municipalities) for opt-out/modification decisions.
  • Law enforcement and local licensing authorities responsible for notification and oversight.

Additional notes

  • The bill was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs Committee.
  • Sponsoring and co-sponsoring senators cover a broad cross-section of Rhode Island leadership.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.