Raise a glass!
The busiest corners of Cambridge will have a decidedly European flair this summer, and not only because everyone, from hoteliers to bartenders to mayors and city councilors, is suddenly talking about soccer these days.
Officials here plan to launch an era of uncharacteristically lax rules on alcohol consumption, including legalizing outdoor drinking in huge swaths of the city.
New rules announced Wednesday and set to take effect through the end of July will allow restaurants and bars in the city to serve to-go cocktails, beers, and cups of wine, which patrons can enjoy outdoors in designated areas without running afoul of open container laws.
The so-called open container districts/public consumption zones where this will be allowed encompass blocks upon blocks of Harvard, Central, Kendall, Inman, and Porter squares, along with lower Massachusetts Avenue, according to a press release. Bars and restaurants will also be allowed to keep serving until 3 a.m.
The city said it had not yet decided the exact times when the drinking rules will take effect, per the announcement, which said it has a “goal of launching these measures in the coming days.”
Drinks will have to be served by a participating restaurant or bar and consumed in a branded plastic cup, according to the list of restrictions announced by the city. That means alcoholic drinks can’t be brought from home and can’t be served in bottles or cans.
The announcement came a day after Governor Maura Healey signed a new state law temporarily allowing cities to opt into later last calls and outdoor drinking as the World Cup gets underway.
“This is an exciting moment and an opportunity for Cambridge to enhance vibrancy, support our small businesses, and create memorable public experiences – while maintaining our commitment to safety and community wellbeing,” Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang said in a statement. “The approach mirrors successful models in cities around the world. These steps will help serve as an important opportunity to showcase Cambridge as a welcoming, world-class destination while supporting local businesses during one of our busiest periods of the year.”
Cambridge will indeed be busy this summer. In addition to World Cup related festivities, events on tap include the annual Cambridge Dance Party at City Hall and the city’s second and biggest-ever Porchfest.
The “temporary public consumption zone” in Harvard Square where the city plans to allow outdoor drinking.handout/City of CambridgeThe “temporary public consumption zone” in Central Square where Cambridge plans to allow outdoor drinking.handout/City of CambridgeThe “temporary public consumption zone” in Kendall Square where the city plans to allow outdoor drinking.handout/City of CambridgeThe “temporary public consumption zone” in Inman Square where the city plans to allow outdoor drinking.handout/City of CambridgeThe “temporary public consumption zone” in Porter Square where Cambridge plans to allow outdoor drinking.handout/City of CambridgeThe “temporary public consumption zone” in Lower Mass. Ave. where Cambridge plans to allow public drinking.handout/City of Cambridge
Spencer Buell can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @SpencerBuell.
