Massachusetts Bars Can Stay Open Until 3 A.M., But New Bedford Is Saying No

The Massachusetts Legislature has enacted legislation to allow bars statewide to remain open until 3 a.m. It's not forever, though; only until July 31, 2026. Not all communities seem to be in a hurry to make the change, though. New Bedford is among them.

The new law, signed by Governor Maura Healey, leaves the decision-making up to local officials.

New Bedford Public Information Officer Jonathan Darling said Section 2 "gives the authority to extend alcohol sales hours at bars," and Section 4 "gives the authority on consumption in public spaces to the local licensing authority." That would be the New Bedford Licensing Board, which could take up the matter at its June 23 meeting.

New Bedford Cites Public Safety in 3 A.M. Rejection

"Due to public safety concerns, the City will not be pursuing the extended 3 a.m. time for alcohol sales," Darling said. Given the recent ruckus in the downtown during closing time, that might be a wise idea.

READ MORE: Four Arrested in Downtown New Bedford Fight

Outdoor Drinking Proposed for Summer Sound Series

Darling said public consumption spaces might be workable, however. "The City is proposing, and it will be before the board on June 23, for the Summer Sound Series locations to be considered public consumption spaces," he said.

New Bedford May Opt-Out Of Pilot 3 a.m. Bar Closing Time

The Summer Sound Series is a free Friday evening concert series in the downtown area during the summer.

READ MORE: New Bedford Summer Sound Series 2026 Lineup Released

"Presently, bars in those areas are allowed to sell drinks outside during Summer Sound Series concerts, but patrons are not allowed by state law to purchase a beverage inside the establishment and bring it outside," Darling said. "The proposed public consumption space for the Summer Sound Series would remove that barrier and make it easier on the businesses and the visitors."

Summer Sound Series concerts generally wrap up by 9 p.m., but the Mitchell Administration may seek to extend the block parties by a few hours.

Why Did the 'Leave It Open' Bill Pass So Quickly?

While bills of great importance seem to languish for months or more, the "Leave It Open" bill, sponsored by Fall River Democrat Representative Carole Fiola, ripped through the Massachusetts State House with lightning speed.

This pilot program is designed to run through the World Cup matches in Foxboro and the MA250 semiquincentennial celebration marking America's 250th birthday.