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H8009A
2026 -- H 8009 SUBSTITUTE A
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LC005706/SUB A/2
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- TEMPORARY EXTENDED SERVICE
HOURS
Introduced By:
Representatives Giraldo, Alzate, Voas, and Cruz
Date Introduced:
February 27, 2026
Referred To:
House Municipal Government & Housing
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Title 3 of the General Laws entitled "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES" is hereby
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amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
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CHAPTER 7.1
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TEMPORARY EXTENDED SERVICE HOURS
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3-7.1-1. Authorization of temporary extended service hours.
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(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation to the contrary, any person or
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establishment possessing the qualifications and meeting the requirements of this title that is licensed
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to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on premises in any city or town in
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this state may, for the periods authorized in § 3-7.1-2, apply to their licensing authority at least
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fourteen (14) days in advance to:
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(1) Operate beyond its normal closing time and until up to four o’clock (4:00) a.m.; and
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(2) To sell, serve and allow for the consumption of alcoholic beverages beyond its normal
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cut off time and until up to three o’clock (3:00) a.m.
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(b) This temporary extension of service hours shall apply only to indoor areas at licensed
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establishments, and shall not be applicable to any special permits issued by a licensing authority
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unless explicitly granted by that body.
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(c) The provisions of this title relating to hours of operation, time of closing or opening, or
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hours of sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on the premises shall not
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apply to such licenses approved for any temporary extension period, except as provided in § 3-7.1-
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3.
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3-7.1-2. Periods authorized for temporary extension of service hours.
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The provisions of this chapter are authorized only for the dates enumerated herein and for
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the express purpose of offering public watch opportunities for 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament
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matches beginning on any of the following dates and continuing through the authorized period
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granted by the local licensing authority in the morning of the succeeding day in calendar year 2026:
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June 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27; July 2, and 3.
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3-7.1-3. Municipal authorization-Procedures.
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(a) A licensing authority may authorize or reject in full or in part for any reason an
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application by a licensee for the extended operation and service hours or areas provided under this
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chapter within their jurisdiction.
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(b) Licensees shall not be required to submit any application fee for the purposes of the
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temporary extensions granted under this chapter.
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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
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This act would allow, but not require, local licensing authorities to grant temporary periods
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for extended indoor service hours under existing liquor licenses for certain 2026 FIFA World Cup
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Tournament matches occurring between June 11, 2026 and July 3, 2026, for operation until up to
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4 a.m. with liquor service until up to 3 a.m.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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