New Jersey bars can stay open later during the World Cup

New Jersey is becoming the latest World Cup destination in the United States to allow bars to stay open later during the 39-day soccer tournament coming this summer.

The New Jersey Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control issued new guidance last month that permits municipalities to adjust their “hours-of-sale” ordinances to allow later or earlier bar operating hours during the World Cup.

On Monday, Gov. Mikie Sherrill met with Hoboken Mayor Emily B. Jabbour at the locally beloved soccer bar in Hoboken, Mulligan’s Pub, to amplify the news to local officials that they have the choice to adjust bar operating hour ordinances.

“Today’s announcement gives municipalities the flexibility to celebrate responsibly while supporting local businesses, workers, and entrepreneurs during this historic moment,” Jabbour said.

Sherrill and Alcoholic Beverage Control leadership said the once-in-a-generation opportunity couldn’t be missed, both for making memories and capturing more tourism revenue in those 39 days, when eight matches, including the World Cup final, will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

“We’re making it easier for residents and visitors to keep the energy going beyond the stadium, whether that’s gathering with friends at local restaurants, cheering on matches at neighborhood bars, or enjoying the excitement in our downtowns and communities,” Sherrill said. “This is about creating memories that will last a lifetime, bringing people together, and helping businesses across the state take part in this historic moment.”

New Jersey’s easing of regulations will look different from Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia 250 Permit. Philadelphia restaurants and bars are required to undergo city safety training before applying for the permit through the liquor control board. More than 75 operators have shown interest in applying, according to the city’s Department of Commerce.

Restaurant, bar, and other venue operators in New Jersey will be at the mercy of their municipalities to approve adjusted bar hours. If a town is on board, operators will submit a form that explains why they should be granted certain relaxations. Operators can petition for adjusted bar hours, extensions on where customers can consume alcohol on premises, and other regulatory easements. The Alcoholic Beverage Control could not be reached for comment for more clarification.

“The extension is not automatic, requiring individual municipalities and local Alcoholic Beverage Control boards to decide if they want to adopt the extended hours and, for towns that opt in, local bars and venues must apply for permits to accommodate the adjusted match times,” said Steve Schain, a New Jersey regulatory attorney with Malkin Law.

Operators will have to provide specific facts supporting their petition for eased regulations, including explanations for how they would suffer “undue hardship” if the relaxation is not granted, and how they would ensure neighbors and the general public are not “unduly burdened” by easing regulations.

Now operators will await their municipality’s decision on whether to adjust local ordinances to accommodate later hours. In the meantime, interested parties can contact Alcoholic Beverage Control at NJABCFIFAWorldCup@njoag.gov with questions.

Alcoholic Beverage Control intends to set up a FIFA World Cup webpage with information to assist licensees, permittees, and municipalities, but as of publication, it was not available.