Dardenne Prairie to read ordinance seeking opt‑out of extended liquor hours during 2026 World Cup

Mayor Witteman introduced an ordinance to opt Dardenne Prairie out of a proposed state allowance that would let single‑serve liquor retailers operate 24 hours a day during the 2026 World Cup unless the city acts to opt out.

"So my recommendation is to opt out of it through an ordinance," the mayor said, explaining the state bill would require cities to take affirmative action to prevent local retailers from extending hours for World Cup games.

Board members discussed the measure and raised practical questions about whether any of the city's seven affected retailers would seek to operate extended hours and whether the extended hours would fall outside local time frames. One alderman suggested contacting the businesses directly; the mayor proposed sending notices to the seven single‑serve retailers and using a three‑week comment window prior to the next meeting.

The mayor told the board he would read the ordinance once that night and bring it back for final action at the next meeting after the outreach period. As the mayor framed it, nonresponse from a business would be treated as an indication the business does not intend to remain open around the clock.

Aldermen noted potential law‑enforcement and staffing implications if establishments did choose to operate late at night, while others said the economic opportunity for businesses could be a benefit. One alderman asked whether establishments had been queried; the mayor said they had not and that outreach would occur before final action.

The board scheduled the second reading and final vote at the next regular meeting after the advertised comment period. No final vote on the ordinance was recorded in the work session transcript.