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Board declines to opt out of temporary state alcohol-sales expansion for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Summary
Chief Lockridge told the Board a revised state statute would allow extended alcohol sales and 24-hour operations between June 11 and July 19 unless municipalities opt out; staff recommended taking no action, the Board supported that option, and the statute automatically expires July 20.
Chief Lockridge briefed the Board on a revised state statute that temporarily permits alcohol sales for 23 hours per day and allows businesses to remain open 24 hours between June 11 and July 19 in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under the statute, municipalities are automatically opted in unless they explicitly opt out.
Lockridge said staff surveyed nearby communities: some (Kansas City, Gladstone, Excelsior Springs, Kearney, Parkville and Riverside) intend to follow the state statute, while North Kansas City and Liberty plan to opt out and keep their existing ordinances. Independence plans to allow establishments to remain open but not sell alcohol during the extended hours. Lockridge told the Board staff’s conversations with local establishments indicate limited impact because many businesses lack the staffing capacity to operate nearly around the clock.
Staff outlined three options: do nothing and allow the state statute to apply, opt out and continue enforcing Smithville’s current ordinance (which restricts alcohol sales between 6:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.), or adopt a temporary local ordinance with customized limits. Staff recommended taking no action. The Board supported that recommendation, effectively leaving Smithville subject to the state statute; staff noted the statute expires July 20 and the city ordinance will resume afterward.
The Board did not take additional formal action on the topic during the meeting.
