Rumbleseat scores extended hours for World Cup

CHICOPEE — As the World Cup attracts countless viewers this summer, Rumbleseat Bar & Grille just took advantage of Gov. Maura Healey’s bill that allows bars and restaurants to extend their hours over the next couple of months.

The Chicopee License Commission recently approved Rumbleseat’s request to extend its hours until 3 a.m. on nights that it sees fit. With the temporary license in hand, Rumbleseat must serve all beverages by 2:30 a.m., and all beverages must be cleared from serving and the bar areas by 2:45 a.m. Additionally, everyone must exit the premises by 3 a.m.

The temporary license expires on July 31. Rumbleseat Bar & Grille Owner Billy Stetson said the business will not be open until 3 a.m. every night; it will instead extend its hours one or two nights a week. He added that no band or DJs will play after midnight.

Stetson said that since the World Cup started, business has been up 10%-20%, daily and when the United States team is playing, he said business has doubled.

“We’re a big, big World Cup soccer bar, sports bar,” Stetson stated. “It’s been excellent for us. People know we carry all the games; we carry the audio for the games. It’s been an excellent little boost to our business.”

The opportunity to apply for an extended hours license happened after Healey signed an act authorizing municipalities to opt in to a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts this summer.

“This bill will provide more opportunities for people to celebrate with their community for the World Cup and the other exciting events we have happening this summer for MA250,” Healey said. “It will also support our local businesses and regional economies as they see a surge in visitors. We’re grateful to our partners in the Legislature for getting this bill across the finish line in time for the World Cup, as well as to the hardworking staff at our bars and restaurants for providing a welcoming and joyful environment for residents and visitors alike.”

With some World Cup games starting at 11 p.m. or later, Stetson said it was an easy decision to apply for the license and allow his guests to enjoy the entire game while the bar still serves drinks.

“I think this 3 o’clock [rule] gives you a little flexibility to try something. For us, it is a true pilot program,” Stetson stated.

Although the program is temporary, Stetson said he is open to telling the commission and state about the positive and negative impacts of the later closing time in case the state ever decides to create a permanent bill that allows for extended hours.

Outside of the World Cup, Stetson explained that his proximity to Baystate Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, and other 24-hour businesses allows his bar to be accessible to the second shift workers who want a drink after their shift.

“We’ve got sources of people that have come here at 11 o’clock, as soon as they get out of work, because they know that our kitchen’s always been open ‘til midnight,” Stetson stated. “It makes sense for us to give it a shot.”

Rumbleseat is currently open Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m.to 1 a.m., Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Stetson said anyone looking to learn more about World Cup watch parties or extended hours can visit its Facebook page at Rumbleseat Bar & Grille.