Gress suggests Hobbs extends bar service hours during World Series
(The Center Square)– The World Series begins Friday night, and a state lawmaker is hoping that longer bar service hours in Arizona will be on deck.
State Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, is calling on Gov. Katie Hobbs to issue an executive order allowing bars to serve until 3 a.m. throughout the Series if they choose to do so. Currently, the law stops alcohol sales after 2 a.m.
“Arizona is a state of champions, and the Diamondbacks’ journey to the World Series exemplifies that spirit,” Gress said. “By extending service hours, we’re giving fans an extra hour to celebrate and support our local businesses. Let’s come together, have fun, and show the world why Arizona is the place to be.”
Gress cites Arizona Revised Statute § 4-244(15)(b) as the law allowing Hobbs to make an exception for major sporting events in-state.
“The governor, in consultation with the governor’s office of highway safety and the public safety community in this state, may issue an executive order that extends the closing time until 3:00 a.m. for spirituous liquor sales in connection with a professional or collegiate national sporting championship event held in this state,” the statute states.
Hobbs’ office declined to comment on the request Wednesday night.
The law to extend bar service by an hour was put in place in 2022, according to Capitol Media Services.
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the World Series after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this week. They face the Texas Rangers.
The baseball team has not made the World Series since 2001 when they beat the New York Yankees. The first two games will be in Arlington, Texas, on Friday and Saturday, but games three through five will be held at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. If games six and seven are needed, they will be played in Texas.
