England’s modern squad prioritizes clean living and avoids alcohol before crucial matches, yet fans face plentiful drinking options near their Kansas World Cup base this summer. Local authorities introduce 23-hour bar openings from 6 a.m. to 5 a.m. the next day to capitalize on the influx of soccer enthusiasts.
Details on the New Drinking Regulations
The £200-per-night Meadowbrook hotel near Kansas City serves as England’s base, with connected restaurants like Verbena and The Market closing to ensure player privacy. Nearby bars gain preliminary approval for extended hours, pending final sign-off from Governor Laura Kelly. Several districts recently debated and passed these measures to attract World Cup visitors.
Kansas City’s World Cup Role
Kansas City, home to 2.5 million people along the Missouri River, hosts six matches, including a round-of-32 clash and a quarter-final. Four teams base here: England, Algeria, reigning champions Argentina, and the Netherlands. England trains at Swope Soccer Village, with convenient access to group stage games in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey.
The United States co-hosts the tournament with Mexico and Canada, anticipating hundreds of thousands of fans. Local bar owners applaud the changes to match neighboring Missouri’s rules.
“Most importantly, it’s a big deal because Missouri’s already got that passed, and for anybody close to the state line like we are, we just want a fair chance to compete,” states Brian Schorgl, owner of O’Neill’s Bar and Restaurant in Leawood.
US Alcohol Rules for Fans
International visitors note stricter US regulations: the legal drinking age stands at 21, compared to 18 elsewhere, with 80 dry counties mainly in southern states like Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expresses enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to host England. I have been to England a few times, so I’ve gotten to know the passion of English fans, but I think I’ll learn a lot more in this engagement.”
