Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is backing a proposal on Beacon Hill that would allow communities across the state to temporarily extend last call as late as 3 a.m. and allow public drinking in designated districts, saying the bill would help local businesses benefit from an expected surge of visitors for the FIFA World Cup matches in Foxborough.
“We have been working for many months now with our small business community, with public safety officials, and with representatives in different communities as well to try to make sure we're harnessing every bit of opportunity that this incredible event will bring,†Wu told reporters Wednesday. “We want all of that economic activity to go right back to our local businesses.â€
The bill, filed by state Representative Carole A. Fiola, a Fall River Democrat, was referred Tuesday to the Joint Committee on Economic and Emerging Technologies, which Fiola co-chairs, records show.
The proposal would give cities and towns the option to allow certain licensed businesses to sell alcohol for consumption in designated public areas from June 1 through Aug. 31.
The legislation would also allow establishments with liquor licenses to stay open an additional hour beyond their current closing times, up to 3 a.m., with the approval of local licensing boards.
In a statement Wednesday, Fiola said the proposal is intended to help businesses capitalize on a busy summer of events.
“With the World Cup coming to Massachusetts next month and other big events planned for this summer, we should capitalize on these events that will generate economic benefits for small businesses and the state as a whole,†Fiola said. “It's a local opt-in idea worth exploring that's being done in other states.â€
A similar measure has also been moving through the legislature in Rhode Island. Earlier this month, the House voted 60-8 for a law that would enable local licensing authorities to allow bars and restaurants to remain open until 4 a.m. and to serve liquor until 3 a.m. during World Cup matches between June 11 and July 3. The state Senate is expected to vote on the bill on Thursday.
Wu said city officials have been preparing for late-night crowds regardless of whether the bill passes, noting that some World Cup matches and related festivities are expected to run late into the evening.
“The question isn't whether it will cause people to be out and about,†Wu said. “It's whether people will have something fun to do that also supports our local economy.â€
Edward Fitzpatrick of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
Nick Stoico can be reached at nick.stoico@globe.com.
