What to know about Boston and Cambridge public drinking zones
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Boston and Cambridge have become the guinea pigs in the state's experiment with laxer drinking laws as the World Cup and Tall Ships draw thousands to Massachusetts.
Why it matters: These cities are throwing drinking restrictions — described by some as puritanical — to the wind, at least until July 31, thanks to a hastily passed loosening of Massachusetts' drinking laws this summer.
Catch up quick: So far, only Boston and Cambridge have approved both bar service until 3am and public drinking zones.
- Revere, Chelsea, Brockton and others voted to opt out of both provisions in the temporary alcohol law, while Somerville approved extending last call but not the public districts.
- Other municipalities, like Foxborough, didn't take it up.
Be smart: You can only drink within a district, so don't wander off beyond the streets.
- No outside booze is allowed, so leave the six-pack and wine bottles at home.
Boston launched two public consumption districts: one on Temple Place near the Boston Common and the other on Union and Marshall streets (the Blackstone Block).
- Bars and eligible restaurants within the districts can sell one 16-ounce drink per person, per transaction.
Temple Place: The restaurants on the block will sell boozy drinks in clear, marked plastic cups or containers, including Estella, JM Curley, Democracy Brewing, the Wig Shop and Hobgoblin.
Hours: 9am–11pm Monday–Saturday; 10am–9pm Sunday.
Blackstone Block: Union Street has long been a tourist trap, but it was bustling while the Tartan Army was in town.
- There's a half-dozen bars to choose from, whether you start at the White Bull Tavern or head over to the Union Bar.
Hours: 9am–12am Monday through Saturday; 10am–9pm Sunday.
Cambridge launched seven public drinking zones for Cambridge United soccer watch parties, the City Dance Party on Friday, Porchfest in July and other events.
- The city has approved to-go service at 35 restaurants across the drinking zones (see the running list here).
Hours: 11am–11pm every day.
- Last call in these zones is 10:45pm.
Pro tip: Keep this PDF of Cambridge's public consumption zone maps handy.
Yes, but: Bars and restaurants granted extensions on bar service can't accept new patrons during that extra hour, per city officials.
- Nor can you place orders ahead or buy packs of beer or bottles of wine to-go there.
What we're watching: Whether this leads to permanently public drinking districts or not, Boston and Cambridge will likely have lessons for other Massachusetts cities after the summer law expires.