D.C. Council passed an emergency measure to allow bars, restaurants and breweries in the District to stay open 24 hours a day during the World Cup, which will take place from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18 in Qatar.
Places that sell alcohol normally would close at 2 a.m. on weekdays and at 3 a.m. on weekends.
Now they will be able to sell booze until 4 a.m. and remain open 24 hours, but they would have to pause their alcohol service between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m.
The most passionate soccer fans here in the United States will have to stay up a little late to watch all the action from this year’s tournament because Qatar is seven hours ahead of the U.S.
“This event takes place every four years and is a Super Bowl-type sporting event for soccer fans,” Councilman Kenyan R. McDuffie said during the meeting.
Businesses that plan to extend their hours must register with the Alcohol Beverage Control Board, pay a $100 fee and let the police department know at least three days before they plan to extend their hours.
The U.S. kicks off its World Cup campaign against Wales at 2 p.m. Nov. 21 local time.
WTOP’s Jack Pointer contributed to this story.