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Smithville Board to study modified liquor‑service hours for 2026 FIFA World Cup after discussion
Summary
Alderman Melissa Wilson raised Senate Bill 852, which temporarily allows extended liquor‑by‑the‑drink hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup; the City Attorney outlined municipal options and the Board directed staff to return with options and local business input rather than adopting 24‑hour service.
Alderman Melissa Wilson brought forward a recently enacted state law (Senate Bill 852) that temporarily authorizes extended liquor‑by‑the‑drink hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which runs June 11–July 19, 2026. Wilson asked whether Smithville should opt in, opt out, or adopt modified hours.
City Attorney Padraic Corcoran outlined three municipal options: allow the extended hours exactly as provided in state law, opt out entirely, or adopt modified extended hours that fall between current city rules and the full state authorization. Corcoran noted that the temporary law applies only during the tournament period.
Board members discussed potential benefits to local businesses given increased short‑term rental activity and tourist presence, but expressed a preference against full 24‑hour alcohol service. The Board directed staff to place the item on a future work session agenda and requested examples of how other municipalities are handling the change and input from local businesses to inform any local decision.
