In response to Governor Healey’s recently signed “Act Authorizing Municipalities to Opt-In to a Temporary Pilot to Extend the Hours of Liquor Licenses and to Allow for Public Consumption in Designated Districts in Summer 2026,” the City of Cambridge has approved a set of temporary measures designed to boost economic activity and enhance the visitor experience during the busy summer season.
Acting on recommendations from the City Manager’s Office, the License Commission has authorized the sale of alcohol-to-go for permitted businesses within designated open container districts/public consumption zones and a maximum one-hour extension of alcohol operating sales for approved bars and restaurants that are not to exceed 3 a.m. through July 31, 2026.
With the goal of launching these measures in the coming days, approved establishments will be allowed to sell alcohol to-go provided drinks remain within a designated district and are served in approved, labeled plastic cups.
Designated districts will include areas of Central Square, Kendall Square, Harvard Square, Inman Square, lower Massachusetts Avenue, and Porter Square/North Massachusetts Avenue. Exact times are being finalized.
“This is an exciting moment and an opportunity for Cambridge to enhance vibrancy, support our small businesses, and create memorable public experiences – while maintaining our commitment to safety and community wellbeing,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. “The approach mirrors successful models in cities around the world. These steps will help serve as an important opportunity to showcase Cambridge as a welcoming, worldclass destination while supporting local businesses during one of our busiest periods of the year.”
The pilot is intended to stimulate economic and cultural activity during a season in which Cambridge will be hosting a number of signature summer events, including
Cambridge United soccer watch parties,
City Dance Party,
Porchfest, and other significant events.
Public safety remains the highest priority. In order for businesses to participate, they must receive approval from the Cambridge License Commission. Permits will be issued on a weekly basis to ensure adequate staffing and to verify that participating establishments operate responsibly and in the public interest.
The License Commission will be working closely with businesses to ensure established rules are clear to avoid confusion, including signage, cup requirements, and the prohibition on bringing outside alcohol into any licensed establishment. In the interim, businesses can contact the License Commission at
license@cambridgema.gov or call (617) 349-6140 with any questions or concerns.
Additional rules for alcohol-to-go sales within the designated zones will include:
- Compliance with all existing local and state alcohol laws
- Clear plastic cups marked with the establishment’s name
- No outside, altered drink sizes or alcohol content
- No bottles of wine or packaged cans sold to-go
- Only one point of sale per establishment
- One drink per customer per transaction
- No advance orders
- Mandatory posting of the City’s official zone map
View the Board Vote regarding the
2026 Temporary Summer Amendments/Extensions voted on June 10, 2026.
