Massachusetts Senate Passes Summer Pilot Extending Bar Hours to 3 A.M.

BOSTON — June 8, 2026 — Massachusetts Senate clears summer pilot extending bar hours to 3 a.m. and allowing outdoor drinking. The Senate passed House 5478 amended Monday, a local-option bill letting municipalities extend liquor license closing time by one hour and permit public alcohol consumption in designated districts through summer 2026, sending the measure to the governor for signature. The bill's emergency preamble passed a constitutionally required standing vote of 2-0. Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr won adoption of an amendment requiring the Executive Office of Economic Development — working with the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, the Executive Office of Public Safety, and the Secretary of Transportation — to study public safety and behavioral outcomes from the pilot. Senator Kelly A. Dooner of the 3rd Bristol and Plymouth district drove procedural motions throughout the session. The pilot's timing overlaps with FIFA World Cup events in the Boston region, a connection Senate President Karen E. Spilka was acknowledged for championing on the floor.