POR 2026-134 · Agenda item attachment · Aug 3 2026

POR 2026-134 FIRST IN COUNCIL August 3, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR SIMMONS VICE MAYOR AZEEM WHEREAS: In June 2026, the Commonwealth temporarily authorized municipalities to allow certain licensed establishments to remain open until 3:00 a.m. and to permit alcohol-to-go consumption in designated outdoor districts, and Cambridge opted into portions of that program; and WHEREAS: The temporary state authorization expires on July 31, 2026, and Cambridge cannot continue or establish a new extended-hours program without further authorization from the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS: On June 22, 2026, the City Council adopted Policy Order 2026-130, supporting permanent municipal authority over last-call hours and outdoor alcohol-consumption policies and requesting an evaluation of Cambridge's temporary summer program by October 1, 2026; and WHEREAS: A preliminary assessment of the summer program's economic effects would help the Council, local businesses, and the public understand the program's results while the City continues to seek the legal authority needed for any future action; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a preliminary assessment of the economic effects of Cambridge's 2026 summer program, using available data and feedback from participating businesses and relevant partners; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to advocate for an extension of the temporary state authorization or for permanent authority allowing municipalities to set their own last-call hours and related alcohol policies, including working with Cambridge's state legislative delegation and other interested municipalities; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to include in the report already requested under Policy Order 2026-130: (1) the preliminary economic assessment described above; (2) an update on state advocacy and the legislative options available to Cambridge; and (3) a preliminary outline of the policy options the City Council could consider if the necessary state authority is granted, including possible program scope, eligibility, safeguards, and timing, with the report due no later than October 1, 2026. A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk

City of Cambridge That the City Manager is requested to direct the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department and the License Commission to jointly lead the City’s evaluation of a limited pilot program from Fall 2026 through Fall 2027 allowing certain eligible licensed establishments to serve alcohol until 3:00 a.m.