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West Milford introduces temporary extension of alcohol service hours for FIFA World Cup watch parties
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 2026-015 to allow extended alcohol sale/service hours for designated license types during June 11–July 20, 2026 World Cup events subject to a 3 a.m.–7 a.m. prohibition, noise limits and restrictions on outdoor permits; a second reading is set for June 24.
The West Milford Township Council on May 20 introduced Ordinance 2026-015 to temporarily amend municipal rules on hours of sale and service of alcoholic beverages during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Tournament.
The ordinance would apply to a wide range of license types — including plenary retail consumption, seasonal consumption, club licenses, sporting facility licensees, breweries, wineries, cideries, meaderies and craft distilleries — and would permit extended hours tied to tournament events from June 11 through July 20, 2026. The ordinance explicitly forbids any sale, service or delivery of alcoholic beverages on licensed premises between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. during the specified period; patrons may only be permitted inside premises between those hours and external noise would be limited to television broadcasts of World Cup matches (no external music). Temporary outdoor ABC permits would not be effective between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., and licensees must comply with municipal noise and nuisance ordinances while operating under extended hours.
Councilwoman Ada Erik asked for clarification on local effects; Administrator William Senande said the change "related to watch parties, for example to watch a West coast game, bars could be open at different times to watch those games." The council set second reading and a public hearing for June 24, 2026; the introduction passed unanimously among members present.
If adopted after the June 24 hearing, the ordinance would temporarily relax hours specifically for events tied to World Cup broadcasts while retaining limits on overnight service and municipal noise control.
