Columbia City Council to vote on alcohol permits during 2026 FIFA World Cup Monday night

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia city leaders on Monday night will vote on whether or not to allow businesses to apply for a permit that would allow them to sell alcohol for extended during this year's FIFA World Cup.

The vote follows pushback from some commissions in the city, including the city’s Substance Use Prevention Advisory Commission. The commission had urged the city to opt out of Missouri House Bill 1041--which would would allow licensed bars and restaurants to sell alcohol for 23 hours a day throughout the tournament. The commission warned the city the move would put a strain on service industry workers and asked leaders to consider the public safety aspect.

Some bar owners in the city previously told ABC 17 News that they were against the extended hours, saying it poses a safety risk.

The City Council then indicated a preference not to allow 23-hour sales flat out in during its Dec. 20 meeting, citing possible stressors for public safety services. City leaders, however, expressed a desire to allow businesses to be able to do so on a case-by-case basis.

In response, the city is now considering allowing businesses to apply for a Special Event Permit to operate outside of regular business hours during the World Cup.

"Approval would require the applicant to demonstrate compliance with all applicable provisions of the
City’s Special Events ordinance and permit standards, including public safety, security,
staffing, and neighborhood impact requirements," according to city documents.

The 2026 World Cup runs from June 1-July 19.

The City Council will also considering a vote that could ban gaming machines during Monday night's meeting. Mayor Barbara Buffaloe had expressed a desire to see how the legislative process plays out and plans to suggest tabling the vote, according to previous reporting.

Monday night's meeting is at 7 p.m. at Columbia City Hall.

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