Healey backs 3 a.m. last call for 'once-in-a-generation summer'

Gov. Maura Healey is throwing her support behind a proposal to push last call to 3 a.m. across the state this summer, a measure intended to accommodate visitors but which carries public safety implications.

The proposed bill from Rep. Carole Fiola would allow Massachusetts restaurants and bars to stay open later from June 1 through Aug. 31, during the summer that will be marked by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 250th American Revolution celebrations.

"Massachusetts is preparing for a once-in-a-generation summer," Healey wrote in public testimony submitted to the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies on Monday. Fiola co-chairs the committee.

The governor pointed to the soccer matches in Foxborough, along with watch parties across the state; the 250th celebrations and the Tall Ships coming to Boston Harbor.

"These events, along with Massachusetts' many cultural, historical, and tourism attractions, will bring residents and international visitors to our downtowns and main streets. This presents a unique opportunity for local businesses to benefit for increased foot traffic, visitor spending, and renewed downtown activity," she wrote.

Massachusetts and Boston have a reputation from many out-of-state visitors for their lacking nightlife scene. Happy hour is illegal in the state; it heavily restricts distribution of its liquor licenses, which are also expensive for small businesses to obtain; and there's a mandatory statewide 2 a.m. last call, though in many places it's earlier.

Fiola's bill allows cities and towns to establish "social consumption districts" and let bars and restaurants sell alcohol for an extra hour, but no later than 3 a.m.

"This provides added flexibility for restaurants, bars, hotels, retailers, small businesses, and hospitality workers during an extraordinary tourism season," Healey wrote. "That flexibility can help communities capture more visitor spending, support jobs, keep downtowns active, and strengthen Massachusetts' image as a dynamic destination ready to host the world and a place our residents, including our young professionals, are proud to call home."