READING, Pa. — Inside Trooper Thorns, they are already thinking about summer.
A new proposal in Harrisburg would give municipalities across Pennsylvania the option to extend alcohol sales during the World Cup. That means cities like Reading could join Philadelphia in serving until 4 a.m. for a limited stretch.
“This would allow an opportunity for folks to be able to dine in, check out different restaurants and be able to consume and partake and participate, especially after they get out of the games,” said State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz.
Businesses in good standing could apply for a $500 permit to stay open and keep serving alcohol until 4 a.m. for about a month during the tournament, so a decision needs to be made as soon as possible.
“When I look at the effective date of the bill, it says 60 days, depending on how things happen. Maybe someone or I will make an amendment to shorten that time frame so that municipalities have time to engage when we were expecting all these visits to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Cepeda-Freytiz said.
For Trooper Thorns owner Jacqueline Trapp, the idea could mean more business.
“Anything that the state does or legislation does to create a bill that promotes small businesses to increase their hours in order to create more revenue is positive,” Trapp said.
Still, owners would have to weigh staffing, security and whether the extra hours are worth the cost.
“Well, I don’t really want to be negative, but it always comes down to the money,” Trapp said.
She says the World Cup could bring a different kind of crowd, especially with Reading named an official fan zone.
“We are soccer-oriented. You will walk in one time as a customer and leave as a friend. We are going to be the hottest, most fun place for the World Cup,” Trapp added.