Massachusetts relaxed its rules on public drinking and bar closing hours to accommodate the throngs of international fans traveling here for the World Cup. One libertarian magazine is wondering why it isn’t permanent.
“While these moves are worth celebrating, it is unclear why this temporary relaxation in rules cannot be made permanent,” Reem Ibrahim wrote for Reason magazine last week, adding that Massachusetts joins eight other states in changing open-container laws for the World Cup.
“Adults who can be trusted to drink in a bar, at a private party, or inside a stadium do not suddenly become incapable of responsible behavior the moment they step onto the street. If Boston can allow residents and visitors to ‘sip and stroll’ safely for a few weeks, it should be able to do so permanently,” the Reason article continued.
Both Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle welcomed the temporary exceptions to the alcohol rules and issued statements celebrating it.
Wu: “As Boston welcomes people from around the world to gather and enjoy our city this summer, these new social districts will create even more opportunities to build community and have fun responsibly.”
Healey: “This bill will provide more opportunities for people to celebrate with their community for the World Cup and the other exciting events we have happening this summer for MA250. “It will also support our local businesses and regional economies as they see a surge in visitors.”
Those businesses will still exist when the World Cup is done, and it doesn’t appear that an outside observer like Reason magazine is the only one not convinced it should be temporary.
City Councilor Brian Worrell, for one, has proposed permanently extending last call at city bars and restaurants to 3 a.m.
Also, Rishi Shukla, the co-founder of the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association told WGBH that the change “presents an interesting opportunity for us to pilot something that’s different” and even floated the idea of permanence if the data is right.
Representatives of Healey and Wu did not respond to Herald inquires about this sent Thursday by deadline Saturday.
Brensley lawsuit to compel compliance with audit being considered by judge
A lawsuit filed by failed Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Anne Brensley over the voter-approved Legislative audit may move forward following a court hearing late last week as the ongoing battle over the probe of the state legislature continues nearly two years after 72% of Massachusetts voters approved it.
Brensley filed the lawsuit in October 2025, asking the court to compel Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano to comply with the audit, approved in 2024 by over 2.2 million Massachusetts voters.
“The fight for transparency is not over. Yesterday’s hearing showed that we are still very much in this case,” Brensley told the Herald.
The court declined to immediately dismiss Brensley’s lawsuit on standing grounds, ultimately deciding to take the matter under advisement before issuing a final ruling. While the judge did not issue a final ruling, Brensley said the decision to take the matter under advisement means the case remains alive.
Brensley had won the party endorsement for Lt. Gov. in a landslide victory at the Massachusetts Republican Convention in April, but failed to qualify for the ballot. She alleges she was the victim of a signature collection fraud scheme run by consultant Joe Bronske. She had filed the lawsuit over the legislative audit while she was still a candidate.
The complaint requests that the court issue an order directing legislative leadership to comply with the statute within 30 days.
Represented by the Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office, legislative leaders have moved to dismiss Brensley’s lawsuit, arguing that legal doctrines protecting government officials from certain forms of litigation apply in this case.
The House and Senate have passed their own respective versions of resolutions they say fairly complies with the audit.
Deaton getting married Monday
Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton is getting married on Monday.
The sole GOP candidate trying to unseat incumbent Sen. Ed Markey will be tying the knot with longtime girlfriend Kristi Warner.
“I’m marrying my best friend, Kristiana. During my life, I’ve lived through some hard times — poverty, violence, addiction, cancer — but I’ve learned life is truly a blessing. This Monday, surrounded by our kids, I’ll be reminded of just how blessed I am,” Deaton told the Herald.
“I’m getting married on Monday and @kristiana4102 is insisting we practice the dip. I guess she’s afraid my bad back might give out. Where’s the faith?” Deaton playfully posted to X and Facebook on Wednesday along with a video of him and his bride to be practicing their dance routine at home.
Deaton indicates in the video he posted to social media that he and Warner had been together for 12 years before getting engaged.
The location of the wedding ceremony and reception have not been made public.
