WORCESTER, MA — Some Worcester liquor licensees will be able to serve alcohol later this summer under a temporary state law allowing limited 3 a.m. service.
During its meeting Thursday, the Worcester License Commission approved conditions for eligible on-premises liquor licensees to serve alcohol one hour later, through 3 a.m., until Jul. 31, 2026.
Businesses must first email license@worcesterma.gov with the establishment name, licensee name and address, and may not expand their hours until they receive confirmation from the commission that the information was received and sent to the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
All License Commission rules and regulations that apply to 2 a.m. closing will also apply to 3 a.m. closing, according to the commission’s conditions.
The change follows a temporary state law signed by Gov. Maura Healey allowing local licensing authorities to approve one extra hour of on-premises alcohol service, not to exceed 3 a.m., through Jul. 31, according to the Massachusetts General Court bill. Healey’s office said the law was intended for the World Cup and other summer events.
The Worcester change does not apply to all licensees. Licensed outdoor areas, for example, must still close by 2 a.m.
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