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Council backs World Cup extended‑hours licenses after safety concerns from fire chief
Summary
The council approved licensing to allow extended hours tied to state‑authorized World Cup dates. The fire chief urged caution, warning extended service until 3 a.m. would increase alcohol‑related incidents and strain public‑safety resources.
The West Warwick Town Council voted on June 16 to approve licensing items on its agenda that would permit extended hours for establishments on state‑authorized World Cup dates, but the request drew pointed public‑safety concerns from the fire chief and opposition from several councilors.
Council members said the state granted specific, limited dates for World Cup extended hours and that local action follows the statute. One councilor noted the statutory requirement that licensees apply to the licensing authority at least 14 days before the first evening they seek extended service, making some earlier dates ineligible depending on filing.
The town’s fire chief said he opposed allowing bars to remain open until 4 a.m. or serving alcohol until 3 a.m., arguing the late‑night/early‑morning window is when police and emergency services see the highest number of alcohol‑related incidents. “From a public safety standpoint, the late night and early morning hours are when police typically see the highest number of alcohol‑related incidents, including impaired driving, fights, disturbances, and other calls for service,” he said, and recommended against the extension absent clear plans for added staffing and cost coverage.
Councilors debated time‑zone effects (some World Cup matches may start late locally), differences between requests for car‑show hours and liquor hours on the same application, and the council’s ability to deny a local request even where the state has authorized extended hours overall.
After discussion the council proceeded with voting on the licensing items before it. The meeting record notes the licenses on the agenda were approved; however, several members registered opposition during voice votes. The council also approved a separate set of business licenses at the same meeting.
What happens next: License approvals take effect in accordance with the statute and local licensing procedures; the town’s public safety departments indicated they will track any change in calls for service tied to extended hours.
