Culture

From Montreal to Berlin, Cities Aim to Stay Open 24 Hours

Forget last call: In a push to bolster nightlife, cities are changing laws to keep bars, restaurants and transit systems operating round-the-clock. 

Montreal plans on opening a 24-hour zone to boost its nightlife economy.

Photographer: Mint Images/Mint Images RF

While New York City is often dubbed the city that never sleeps, it technically takes a short nap at 4 a.m., per New York State’s mandated “last call.” Perhaps Berlin or Tokyo should take the title: There, bars can legally serve alcohol 24 hours a day.

Montreal could be the newest addition to that list. The Canadian city, whose bars and clubs currently close at 3 a.m., plans on introducing a new 24-hour zone in a downtown neighborhood as part of a broader effort to invest in its nightlife.