New York State Extends Bar Hours For The 2026 World Cup

The excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is growing as this event nears. The largest men's tournament in history kicks off on Thursday, July 11th, and runs through Sunday, July 19th. 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 cities, and 3 countries. This is huge!

There will be watch parties in communities across the U.S.A. Three FIFA World Cup community watch parties will be held right here in the Binghamton area. Click HERE for details.

Read More:  Binghamton Area Local News You May Have Missed

New York State recognizes the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, and today (June 9, 2026), Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that temporarily extends permissible hours for bars and restaurants during the event.

According to the Governor's Office, this legislation allows on-premises licensees to sell alcoholic beverages until 4 a.m. from June 11 through July 20, 2026, helping Empire State bars, restaurants and other on-premises establishments meet increased demand during the FIFA World Cup tournament.

The World Cup is coming to New York and I want every New Yorker and local business to be part of the action and celebration, no ticket required.  From the first kick to the last whistle, bars and restaurants across our state can stay open throughout the tournament, bringing New Yorkers together to cheer on every goal and supporting small businesses across the state. - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

The legislation provisions include the following:

• From June 11 through July 20, 2026, on-premises consumption licensees may sell or offer for sale alcoholic beverages until 4 a.m., notwithstanding more restrictive county-adopted hours.
• The temporary change does not apply where the State Liquor Authority has imposed more restrictive hours as a condition of a license. The law takes effect immediately and expires and is deemed repealed on July 21, 2026.

New York’s restaurants, bars, taverns and hospitality businesses will play an important role in welcoming fans from around the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This legislation gives local businesses a clear, temporary framework to serve visitors during this once-in-a-generation event. We thank Governor Hochul, Senator Skoufis and Assemblymember Stirpe for their leadership and sponsorship of this legislation, and look forward to helping New York’s hospitality industry make the most of this extraordinary event. - New York State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan

For more information, visit New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's website.