KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas, including Olathe and Lenexa. Share your story idea with Olivia.
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The Merriam City Council voted to approve extended alcohol sales hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing bars and restaurants to serve drinks for nearly the entire day.
The resolution allows alcohol service for 23 hours a day — from 6 a.m. until 5 a.m. — between June 11 and July 19.
City officials said the measure could benefit up to 18 local businesses, primarily bars and restaurants that could see increased traffic tied to the international soccer tournament.
One of those bars, Hurricane Allie's, is the reason council considered the measure.
"This is a very unique opportunity for us in the bar industry to take advantage of the crowd that we're gonna be getting for the World Cup," said Hurricane Allie's owner, Allie Henry. "We want to just show them our hospitality, good food, and a safe, good time."
The Merriam city administrator, Caitlin Gard, says the city checked with the police chief before the ordinance passed. They are prepared to handle additional bar hours. The measure passed unanimously.
"It definitely passed unanimously. We just want to support our businesses. Like I said, it's completely optional and if they want to remain open longer than they normally do," said Gard.
Missouri lawmakers passed legislation last year giving municipalities the option to extend alcohol service hours during the World Cup. Kansas enacted a similar law earlier this month, allowing Merriam to opt in.
I've reached out to Leawood, Prairie Village, Lenexa, Overland Park and Olathe. None of those cities have extended alcohol sales on an upcoming agenda.
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