Bottoms up! Outdoor boozing could return to NYC during World Cup 2026

The Big Apple may soon be making some pour changes to its outdoor drinking policies. There’s hardly a better combo than catching a game of ball and publicly guzzling booze, so suggests a newly introduced bill aimed at implementing “entertainment zones” — designated hotspots where soccer buffs can freely consume alcohol on NYC streets — during the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. The bill, issued last week, seeks authorization from the New York Senate, the Assembly, and Governor Kathy Hochul to allow bars and restaurants with existing liquor licenses to serve adult beverages outdoors. It’s an effort towards accommodating the influx of sports fans who’ll be flocking to the area for the upcoming five-week face-off, kicking off with a match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11. If approved, merrymakers would be allowed to openly down cocktails and brews within the confines of the entertainment — or “sip and stroll” — zones demarcated throughout the city. “The tri-state region will be hosting eight World Cup matches, with around 1.2 million visitors expected to travel here during the tournament,” reads the bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Tony Simone, a Manhattan Democrat. “This bill would allow municipalities to better accommodate these tourists, spur economic development, and enhance this once in a lifetime experience for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world, just as other host states have done,” the document insists. “This bill will not only benefit World Cup fans,” continues the push, “but also the restaurant and hospitality industry, nonprofit organizations, and local and state governments in New York through the expected increase in revenue.”Money talks.But should drinkers walk? Proposals to permit al fresco imbibing have previously been nixed by the powers-that-be of NYC.

In fact, during former Mayor Eric Adams’ tenure (2022-2025), NYPD officers issued nearly 10,000 fines to street drinkers i...