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NY bars could stay open later for World Cup with more outdoor watch parties
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 20, 2026
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Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 20, 2026
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New Yorkers may soon have more places and more time to watch the World Cup, under a state plan to let bars host larger outdoor events and stay open during this summer's tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to be held in the U.S. since 1994, is expected to draw more than a million visitors to the New York City region, bringing a surge of fans to stadiums and to bars and restaurants across the area.
On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that bars and restaurants will be able to apply for permits allowing them to host events outdoors throughout the games.
The proposal would also temporarily ease certain State Liquor Authority restrictions. Businesses with earlier closing times, whether due to local rules or individual license conditions, could request permission to stay open as late as 4 a.m. during live matches.
Bars in New York City can already stay open until 4 a.m., but officials said the plan would create more uniform rules statewide and expand options for outdoor and off-site viewing.
“We want to make sure all New Yorkers can watch the World Cup in community spaces, and all businesses that want to show matches can be open to the public while they're broadcast live,” Hochul said in a statement.
Anyone interested in hosting an outdoor event, from watch parties to fan festivals, can apply through the State Liquor Authority’s existing one-day alcohol permit process.
Applicants can request up to 12 one-day permits in a single application.
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Politics
new jersey
new york city
new york state
restaurants
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Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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