Bars to open at 7 a.m. for World Cup

The D.C. Council on Tuesday approved allowing the city’s bars to open at 7 a.m. during the World Cup, the quadrennial soccer tournament that’s among the world’s most popular sporting events.

This year’s tournament takes place in South Africa, which is six hours ahead of the District. Some of the games will start when it’s only 7.30 a.m. in D.C.

City law will still prohibit bars from selling alcohol before 8 a.m. on Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Ward 1 Councilman Jim Graham, whose ward consists of bar-heavy Adams Morgan, sponsored the legislation. Graham said the change was needed so that soccer-mad fans without access to pricey satellite packages can catch their favorite team.

As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the country, the District likely has fans of each of the 32 teams competing in this year’s tournament.

“Soccer has enormous interest everywhere, from what I can gather,” Graham said.

The D.C. Council passed Graham’s legislation with no discussion on whether to allow bars to serve alcohol at game time.

“The prospect of people drinking at seven thirty in the morning is not, you know….” Graham said.

Some bars already have a license to open early. Fado Irish Pub general manager Ciara O’Neill said her bar can open at 6 a.m., and the new rules won’t affect their business.

O’Neill said Fado frequently draws early morning crowds for big-ticket European soccer and rugby matches. She said most early morning drinking happens on weekends, while during the week most fans just stop in to watch the game and catch breakfast.

The Laughing Man Tavern general manager Mike Herz, whose bar typically doesn’t open until 11 a.m., said the earlier opening time will be good for business.

“That’s super,” Herz said. “I’m definitely going to sign up.”

Bars will have to pay a $300 registration fee to open early during the tournament.

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