Fall River Bars Approved for 3 A.M. Closing Time Extension

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — The Fall River Licensing Board has voted in favor of adopting the new provision that allows for bars to remain open until 3 a.m.

New Operating Hours for Fall River Liquor Licenses

According to a City of Fall River release, the licensing board voted on June 11 to adopt Section 3 of House Bill 5482, which allows for a one-hour extension to the operating hours for existing liquor licenses. Currently, establishments that serve alcohol must close by 2 a.m.

The bill was signed into law on June 8, and not only allows municipalities in Massachusetts to extend the hours of operation, but also allows for public consumption of alcohol in locally-designated areas.

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How House Bill 5482 Impacts Summer Economic Growth

The Fall River Licensing Board did not vote to adopt any other sections of the bill, only the one-hour operating extension, which goes into effect immediately and will run until July 31, 2026, when the provision expires. It was designed to support small businesses in the Commonwealth during this summer’s festivities such as the World Cup, Sail Boston, and Massachusetts 250.

It’s no surprise that Fall River would be on board with at least part of the bill, since it was sponsored by one of its residents, State Representative Carole Fiola.

Fall River Mayor Coogan on Bar Closing Extension

“The City of Fall River is grateful to the Licensing Board for their support of this initiative which will benefit small business owners who wish to take advantage of longer hours through July 31, 2026,” Mayor Paul Coogan said. “I also want to thank State Representative Carole Fiola for her leadership and sponsorship of this bill that will provide increased economic opportunities to our small business owners throughout the Commonwealth.”

New Bedford Declines 3 A.M. Extension but Eyes Public Drinking Zones

While the New Bedford Licensing Board would have to vote to adopt the bill, City spokesperson Jonathan Darling told WBSM’s Barry Richard earlier this week that the City of New Bedford would not be seeking approval by the board for an extension of closing times.