Kansas Lawmakers Extend Liquor Store Hours for World Cup

0:00It's March 26. From your city to your ears, this is Kansas News Today, powered by AI. Kansas lawmakers have sent a bill to Governor Laura Kelly that would let liquor stores and bars in participating cities run almost around the clock. During next summer's road cup festivities, from June 11 through July 19, sales would only stop for one hour, between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. every day. This matches a policy Missouri passed last year, aiming to give Kansas businesses a fair shot with the expected 650,000 visitors to the Kansas City area. The bill also eases rules on short-term rentals for mid-May through July of next year, automatically approving applications if cities don't respond. In 15 days, supporters say it boosts small businesses like homeowners renting out places for up to $1,500 a week. Small makers from both parties worry it could lead to more drunk driving, but backers note many international fans won't have U.S. drivers licenses.

1:00Plus free bus loops are planned. Unlike Missouri's setup, Kansas City's and counties must opt in through local votes to join the extended hours. The matches happen at Arrowhead Stadium across the state line, but teams from Algeria and Argentina will base in Lawrence and Kansas City, Kansas. If signed, this levels the playing field for local spots gearing up for the big games, keeping the party going with minimal downtime.