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A last-minute World Cup perk allowed public drinking in areas of Cambridge. People took to the streets.

Cambridge and other Massachusetts cities have expanded alcohol service hours and open container zones for the World Cup. Mayor Michelle Wu views the trial as a way to potentially make these changes permanent. In the UK, pubs may stay open later for the England match against Mexico.

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What changed

Updates include Boston's pursuit of permanent rule changes and UK pub extensions for specific matches.

Live updates

  1. World Cup Alcohol Rules Extended in Multiple Cities

    Cambridge and other Massachusetts cities have expanded alcohol service hours and open container zones for the World Cup. Mayor Michelle Wu views the trial as a way to potentially make these changes permanent. In the UK, pubs may stay open later for the England match against Mexico.

    What's confirmed:

    • Four Massachusetts cities extended last call to 3 a.m. for World Cup games.
    • Mayor Michelle Wu believes the summer trial of outdoor drinking and 3 a.m. last calls could support a permanent change.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The UK government may allow pubs to stay open until 5 a.m. for the England versus Mexico match.
    • Fans are requesting an extra bank holiday on Monday.
    • Keir Starmer may announce a major UK law change for the England match against Mexico.
    confidence 90%

  2. Cambridge Open Container Zones Draw World Cup Crowds

    Cambridge has established special open container zones and extended alcohol service hours for World Cup watch parties. These measures have drawn crowds to areas like Central Square without resulting in complaints. The City Council is currently opposing a proposal to limit patrons to one drink every 30 minutes.

    What's confirmed:

    • Cambridge has implemented special open container zones and extended alcohol service hours for World Cup watch parties.
    • The Cambridge City Council voted Monday to oppose proposed liquor licensing updates that would limit patrons to one drink every 30 minutes.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Scotland fans have significantly impacted alcohol availability in Boston.
    • The Pine Bar at Boston Public Market is closed due to an eviction dispute.
    confidence 90%

  3. Cambridge and Boston Implement Temporary World Cup Drinking Zones

    Cambridge and Boston are allowing open alcohol consumption and to-go sales to accommodate World Cup crowds. These measures follow a new law signed by Governor Maura Healey. Cambridge has also implemented extended bar hours alongside specific cooling period requirements.

    What's confirmed:

    • Boston and Cambridge are permitting outdoor alcohol consumption and to-go sales for the World Cup.
    • Governor Maura Healey signed the law allowing these districts.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Cambridge requires 30-minute cooling periods between drinks and an earlier last call.
    • Boston is allowing later bar hours during the tournament.
    confidence 90%

  4. Boston and Cambridge Establish Public Drinking Zones for World Cup

    Boston and Cambridge have created public drinking districts to handle World Cup crowds. These zones permit the sale of to-go alcohol and open consumption on streets. The policy is part of a temporary Massachusetts law allowing cities to opt into these districts this summer.

    What's confirmed:

    • Boston has designated two downtown social districts where public drinking is legal.
    • Cambridge has implemented a policy allowing patrons to order to-go drinks for street consumption.
    • Governor Maura Healey signed a bill allowing temporary public drinking zones and last calls until 3 a.m. this summer in Massachusetts.
    • Individual cities and towns must opt in to the state's temporary alcohol law.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The mayor of Boston estimates an influx of 50,000 rowdy Scots drove the decision to create social districts.
    • Public drinking in Boston's social districts will last through the end of July.
    confidence 95%

  5. World Cup Sparks Public Drinking Zones in Cambridge and Boston

    Cambridge and Boston have established public drinking zones to accommodate World Cup crowds. These areas allow for the sale of to-go alcohol during the summer. Residents and visitors have taken to the streets in response to the new permissions.

    What's confirmed:

    • Cambridge established public consumption zones allowing the sale of to-go alcohol for the summer.
    • Boston created two downtown social districts for public drinking to manage World Cup crowds.
    • Harvard Square has become a public drinking zone.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Certain Boston bars can stay open until 3 a.m. this summer.
    • Belmont has opted into a state summer liquor pilot.
    confidence 90%