Stockholm Rejects Extended Alcohol Serving Hours for World Cup

Stockholm City Council has officially voted to reject a proposal to extend alcohol serving hours for bars during the upcoming World Cup. The decision comes as a setback for nightlife operators and tourism stakeholders who were hoping for extended hours to cater to the influx of visitors and football fans. The city remains firm in its current licensing regulations, despite the potential economic boost that a more flexible approach to nightlife could have provided during the international tournament. Critics of the vote argue that the refusal limits the city's ability to capitalize on the atmosphere during major events, while supporters maintain that the decision aligns with broader social and public safety goals. The move has sparked a wider conversation across the Swedish capital about how to balance event-driven tourism with the city's established municipal guidelines.