An Act authorizing municipalities to opt-in to a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026
Sponsored By: Thomas P. Walsh (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Pilot keeps license limits, ends July 31
Using the pilot does not let you sell any new types of alcohol beyond your current license. All temporary permissions in this law stop on July 31, 2026.
Public drinking zones for summer 2026
Your city or town can create a pilot area where you may drink alcohol in public. From June 8, 2026 to July 31, 2026, you can buy a drink from a licensed bar or restaurant inside the area and take it to drink within that area. Only participating businesses inside the area can sell these drinks. The city or town can set extra rules.
Bars can serve one hour later
Local licensing boards can let licensed bars and restaurants serve for one extra hour. Service still cannot go past 3:00 a.m. This applies from June 8, 2026 to July 31, 2026. Extensions need local approval and must follow all local rules and license conditions.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Thomas P. Walsh
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Carole A. Fiola
Democratic • House
Christopher J. Worrell
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor, Chapter 96 of the Acts of 2026
6/8/2026Enacted and laid before the Governor
6/8/2026SenateEnacted
6/8/2026HouseEmergency preamble adopted
6/8/2026SenateEmergency preamble adopted
6/8/2026HouseSenate concurred in the furthe House amendment
6/8/2026SenateHouse concurred in the Senate amendment with a further amendment, see H5482
6/8/2026HouseReferred to the committee on Bills in the Third Reading
6/8/2026HouseRead third and passed to be engrossed
6/8/2026SenateOrdered to a third reading
6/8/2026SenateReprinted as amended, see S3115
6/8/2026SenateAmended (Cyr) by striking out all after the enacting clause and inserting in place thereof the text of S3114, as amended
6/8/2026SenateRead, rules suspended and read second
6/8/2026SenatePassed to be engrossed
6/4/2026HouseSubstituted for H5471
6/4/2026House
Bill Text
Chapter 96 of the Acts of 2026
6/8/2026
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