Consumer Freedom

Boston Is Temporarily Legalizing Outdoor Drinking for the World Cup. Why Not Make It Permanent?

If Boston can trust adults to “sip and stroll” during the World Cup, it can trust them all year round.

Reem Ibrahim | 6.22.2026 4:49 PM

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(Sports Press Photo/Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP/Sipa USA/Newscom)

The World Cup is thus far proving to be not only a smashing success for the U.S. men's national team, but also one for consumers in American host cities like Boston.

As is the case in most of America, the public consumption of alcohol in Boston is illegal. The city's municipal code states that "no person shall drink any alcoholic beverage" or "possess an open container" of alcohol "while on, in or upon any public way," in any place where the public has access, in any "park or playground, conservation area or recreation area," with violations punishable by a fine of up to $200.

In the lead-up to the tournament, lawmakers in Massachusetts, which will host seven games throughout the World Cup at Boston Stadium (about 22 miles outside of the capital city), passed legislation temporarily........

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