Published on May 11, 2026
Merriam bars, restaurants and liquor stores will have the option to stay open later this summer during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city council voted 8-0 last month to allow extended alcohol sales hours.
The vote opts the city into a new Kansas law, House Bill 2481, that lets cities extend alcohol sales to a 23-hour window — 6 a.m. to 5 a.m. — during the tournament. It's entirely up to each business whether they want to take advantage of the longer hours. The extended window runs from June 11 through July 19 and expires automatically after that.
Eighteen Merriam businesses are eligible, including restaurants, liquor stores, private clubs and cereal malt beverage retailers. Under normal city rules, restaurants and bars must stop serving at 2 a.m. and liquor stores close at 11 p.m. on weekdays.