Rockland Select Board Approves All-Alcohol License for Space Bistro and Extends World Cup Bar Hours
ROCKLAND - May 19, 2026 - In a meeting marked by significant policy shifts and community transitions, the Rockland Select Board unanimously approved a major liquor license upgrade for Space Bistro on Union Street, paving the way for expanded operations. In a separate, highly debated measure, the board voted to level the playing field for local commercial establishments by allowing early-morning alcohol pouring hours beginning at 8:00 a.m. on days when FIFA World Cup matches are actively scheduled this summer. The meeting also served as a cornerstone for municipal evolution, formally introducing a newly professionalized leadership structure at the Rockland Sewer Department and a highly experienced new Health Agent hired under the town’s recently enacted charter modifications.
The Full Story
The evening’s regulatory adjustments kicked off with a smooth transition for a prominent local business. Ezequiel Lacerda and Tiago, representing Space Bistro located at 323 Union Street, went before the board to request a change in their liquor license category from beer and wine to an all-alcohol license. Town Administrator Doug Lapp verified that the application was fully complete and that Rockland retained a limited pool of remaining pouring licenses for bars and restaurants, though package store licenses are currently exhausted. Following a brief public hearing that yielded zero opposition from abutters or residents, the board unanimously cleared the upgrade, sending the application to the state’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) for final execution.
A much sharper policy debate unfolded around an agenda item requesting temporary, early-morning alcohol service allowances to accommodate fans watching the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. The initial proposal sought a blanket 6:00 a.m. pouring permission for all retail licensees spanning June 11 through July 19.
Select Board member John Ellard expressed immediate concern, calling a 6:00 a.m. start time “absurd” given the context of the schedule.
“Through the whole six weeks of the World Cup, there are two games that start before noon. I don’t see how moving it to 6:00 a.m. for any of those days makes any kind of sense.” [37:28] — Board Member John Ellard
