Kansas bars can extend hours during World Cup if cities approve

MERRIAM, Kan. (KCTV) - Kansas bars can now stay open 23 hours a day during the World Cup under a new state law, but cities still must vote to allow the extended hours.

Bar owners across the Kansas City area are divided on whether the opportunity is worth it.

Allison Henry has owned Hurricane Allie’s in Merriam for nearly two decades. She said she is stocking up, working with liquor companies and planning watch parties for every game.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us,” Henry said.

If Merriam approves the extended hours, Henry said she would likely start last call around 4 a.m. if customers are still in the bar.

Henry said the extended hours are not just good for business but will provide a safer option for fans.

“The World Cup runs around the clock, so it just puts us in position to be able to safely host a watch party rather than closing at 2 a.m. and then people have to go to underground events,” Henry said. “So here they can drink safely and responsibly.”

Henry said the bar will open at its normal time of 11 a.m. and stay open later to accommodate crowds.

“The city is ready to welcome the 600,000 people that we’re hoping that the World Cup brings to our town,” Henry said.

But not everyone is convinced that staying open late is worth it or feasible.

Tony Giblin is a bartender at Johnnie’s, a Kansas City, Kansas, institution open since 1934. He said the extra hours do not add up.

“If you can’t get it done at 13 hours, you have a problem,” Giblin said. “It doesn’t make sense business-wise for anybody really. It’s another shift to staff. And it’s late at night.”

Henry said she is not dismissing those concerns. She plans to beef up security, hold staff meetings on responsible service and cut off customers when needed.

“I just wanted to let people know that we are trained bartenders,” Henry said. “We are used to dealing with people that come in and we know when we should stop serving.”

Henry said the bar will have meetings with staff about safety and identifying when someone needs to stop drinking. She said bartenders are trained to find customers a ride or order them an Uber when needed.

“It’s not just about alcohol,” Henry said. “It’s about connection, culture and community.”

Local municipalities have not officially decided to opt in or out yet.