Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City is preparing for longer nights and larger crowds as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, and city officials are giving certain liquor-licensed businesses a narrow window to apply for temporary extended operating hours.
The City of Kansas City, Missouri, through its Regulated Industries Division, is now accepting applications for a special temporary extended-hours liquor license. The license would allow approved businesses to operate until 5:00 a.m. during the World Cup period, which runs from June 11 through July 19, 2026.
The option is not open to every bar, restaurant or entertainment venue in the city. It applies only to licensed establishments located inside specific entertainment districts. City officials have outlined five eligible areas: the Central District, the Central Business District Extension, Westport, the Country Club Plaza and the Zona Rosa-Barry Road Corridor.
Each district has defined boundaries. The Central District stretches from the river on the north to Linwood Boulevard on the south, with Cleveland Avenue to the east and Broadway Boulevard to the west. The Central Business District Extension runs from the river to the railroad, between Broadway Boulevard and State Line Road.
Westport’s eligible area is bounded generally by 39th Street, Baltimore Avenue, 43rd Street and portions of Clark and Southwest Trafficway. The Country Club Plaza area reaches from 46th Street to the north side of Ward Parkway, between Mill Street Parkway and Summit Street. The Zona Rosa-Barry Road Corridor extends from 152 Highway to NW 79th Street, between N. Ambassador/N. St. Clair and N. Congress.
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Businesses that want to stay open beyond standard hours must apply for and receive approval of the special World Cup extended-hours license. The license is temporary and valid only from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It applies only to approved businesses in the designated areas, and it requires full compliance with city, state and local regulations.
Even with approval, the extended hours will not mean nonstop service. Approved businesses must close from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. During that closure period, alcohol may not be sold, served or consumed.
To qualify, applicants must already hold a current Liquor by the Drink license in good standing. They must also be located inside one of the eligible districts, answer all application questions completely and submit a security plan. That plan must be reviewed and approved by both the City of Kansas City and the Kansas City Police Department.
City officials said incomplete applications may be denied.
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The application period opened June 1, 2026. Businesses have until June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to apply. Reviews are expected to be completed by June 9, just two days before the extended-hours period begins.
Other Full Retail Liquor by the Drink license holders outside the temporary extended-hours program may still operate citywide until 3:00 a.m. without applying for this special World Cup license. However, they remain subject to all applicable laws and could face enforcement action, including fines, suspension or revocation, if violations occur.
Licensed businesses will receive additional details by email. For questions, contact the Regulated Industries Division.
