Some KC bars could stay open late during World Cup after mayor changes tune
The Kansas City mayor appeared to soften his stance on the city’s restaurants and bars extending liquor sale hours during the month-long World Cup after a City Council committee meeting Tuesday.
Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced an ordinance to the Finance, Governance and Public Safety committee that his office said would partially exempt Kansas City from a Missouri law that allows local governments to temporarily extend hours of on-premise consumption for holders of liquor until 5 a.m. from June 11 to July 19 — the period during which FIFA World Cup soccer matches will be held across North America.
In that timeframe, KC bars and restaurants would be able to extend their alcohol-serving hours to 3 a.m., even those city establishments that aren’t located in an entertainment district. Businesses in the entertainment districts — which includes neighborhoods like the Crossroads, Downtown, Midtown, 18th & Vine, Westport, Country Club Plaza, River Market and the Riverfront — can stay open until 5 a.m.
If the plan is approved by the full City Council, businesses who choose to extend their hours to 5 a.m. must submit a security plan “for how to mitigate the risks associated with longer operating hours.” During the meeting, Lucas said a security plan for a business might look like proof of additional security cameras or hiring private security.
The ordinance discussed during Tuesday’s committee meeting was a departure from Lucas’ initial stance on the matter, which was to completely exempt Kansas City businesses from participating in the temporary extension of hours during the World Cup. Lucas voiced his concern over extended hours in a social media post last week.
“I respect fun. I respect freedom. But Kansas City doesn’t need bars operating 23 hours,” Lucas said.
A city spokesperson said the change of plans came after discussions between the mayor and business owners.
Steve Stegall, the owner of River Market sports bar Blue Line, had been vocal about his opposition to Lucas’ initial exemption ordinance. He told news station KSHB that small businesses need the extra money that extended hours could bring in “more than ever.”
At the committee meeting, Missouri Restaurant Association’s chief executive officer, Buddy Lahl, also spoke in favor of allowing eateries and bars in Kansas City to offer extended hours. He called the ordinance discussed on Tuesday a “balanced approach.”
“These (international) visitors expect vibrant entertainment districts and late-night hospitality options in a World Cup host city,” Lahl said to the committee Tuesday. “We should be embracing this opportunity, not restricting it.”
Kansas also passed a similar resolution that would allow its municipalities to let businesses extend alcohol service hours, if local officials opt in. Merriam’s City Council opted in. In Missouri, Columbia opted out. Other city and town councils have weighed the issue in the months since both states passed these temporary laws.
The Kansas City ordinance will be considered by the full City Council at Thursday’s meeting.