Nantucket Will Likely Not Adopt New State Law Extending Last Call At Island Bars This Summer

Nantucket will likely not be extending the closing time for local bars this summer, despite a state law allowing towns to opt in to an additional hour of service through the end of July.

On Monday, the Select Board reviewed the legislation, which is intended to coincide with the World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the United States, but saw little value in it.

“I’m disinclined to do this at all. I don’t think it’s necessary, and I don’t think we need to add pressure on staffing or law enforcement during the height of the summer season,” Select Board vice chair Brooke Mohr said. “I think we can signal to licensees that it’s unlikely we would authorize it if they applied at this point.”

Co-sponsored by Julian Cyr, Nantucket’s representative in the state Senate, the legislation allows towns to permit bars to continue to serve alcohol “for one additional hour beyond the time set forth in the establishment’s license,” which caps out at 3 a.m. across Massachusetts. But since Nantucket's Select Board sets the island's last call at 1 a.m., the cap for Nantucket would be 2 a.m. if it decided to adopt the new law.

Local establishments have shown little interest in the extension. The Chicken Box and the Rose and Crown told the Current they were unsure if they would want to take advantage of the opportunity, and The Tavern and Gazebo owner Luke Tedeschi called it a “great bad idea,” saying “we don’t need to go beyond 1:00 a.m. regardless of the cause.”

“It all depends on the schedule,” Select Board member Bon DeCosta said. “I’m more like Brooke [Mohr]. Nothing good happens after one 1:00.”

The World Cup runs from June 11th to July 19th, and seven matches will be held in Massachusetts.

“I don’t see the value in it,” Mohr said. “Barring somebody coming with a really good pitch for why they need it, I’d like to signal that I’m disinclined.”

The law also allows public consumption of alcohol in locally designated areas through July 31.

“I’ve said for years that Massachusetts has a ‘fun’ problem, so I am delighted to see Governor Healey sign legislation to bring some much-needed conviviality to our summer,” Cyr said in a statement in support of the legislation. “With scores of visitors set to descend on the Commonwealth, this simple change sends the clear message that we’re ready to make the most out of an unforgettable summer. Let’s show the world that we truly do know how to have a good time in Massachusetts.”

All four Select Board members present at Monday’s licensing and petitions meeting seemed to be in agreement. Matt Fee was not present.