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West Milford council extends alcohol service hours for FIFA World Cup, bars restricted early‑morning service
Summary
The Township Council adopted Ordinance 2026‑015 on June 24, 2026, allowing extended alcohol service during the FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 20) for specified license types while prohibiting sales between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. and restricting external noise to televised broadcasts during that period.
The Township Council of West Milford adopted Ordinance 2026‑015 on June 24, 2026, temporarily amending local hours for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages to accommodate the FIFA World Cup 2026 period. The ordinance applies from June 11 through July 20, 2026, and targets a defined set of license types, including plenary retail consumption, seasonal retail consumption, club, brewery, winery, cidery/meadery and craft distillery licenses.
Under the ordinance, licensed establishments may extend hours beyond regular local limits for the tournament timeframe but are expressly prohibited from allowing the sale, service or delivery of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. During that 3 a.m.–7 a.m. window, patrons may remain inside licensed premises only and any external audio is limited to television broadcasts of World Cup matches; no external music is permitted. Any temporary ABC permits for outdoor areas are not effective during the prohibited hours, and licensees must comply with municipal noise and nuisance ordinances while operating under the extended hours.
The ordinance cites N.J.S.A. 33:1‑40, N.J.S.A. 33:1‑40.3 and N.J.S.A. 33:1‑94 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act as authority for the municipality’s ability to regulate hours of sale. The council opened the hearing on the ordinance and, with no public speakers on the measure, moved to adopt it. The motion to move and adopt the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Ada Erik, seconded by Councilman Michael Chazukow, and carried with all six members present voting aye.
The ordinance becomes effective after final publication as required by law; the municipal record lists an effective date of July 14, 2026. The ordinance emphasizes that responsibility for safe and lawful service during any extended hours remains with licensees.
