If you like to enjoy a drink while supporting Team Canada at the Olympics, you might soon be able to do so at your favorite bar or restaurant in the morning.
The Hamilton city council has approved a motion to let businesses start selling alcohol as early as 6 a. m.
Ward 5 Coun. Matt Francis introduced the motion, which was passed with a vote of 14 to 1 during today’s council meeting.
City Hall is now waiting for approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), but many believe it shouldn’t be an issue since similar extensions have been granted before.
The beer taps at The Endzone Bar and Grill usually stay closed until regular serving hours, but when Canada’s top athletes are competing at the Olympics in the early hours, Grant Koropatnicki wants his taps open.
“We’re coming off that Super Bowl hangover, now everybody is getting into the Olympics,” Koropatnicki said.
The owner of this east Hamilton bar is eager to open earlier and serve drinks throughout almost all events during the Winter Olympics in Italy, where there’s a six-hour time difference.
He mentions that February tends to be one of the slowest months for many businesses, and with revenues dropping back to pandemic levels, some help could be needed-especially if Canada’s men’s and women’s hockey teams are aiming for gold medals.
“The big push is for the gold medal game on Sunday. If the men’s team makes it, they’ll play at 8:10 a. m., Sunday morning. So we’re looking to host a big event that morning called ‘Kegs & Eggs’,” Koropatnicki said.
The excitement surrounding the Olympic games reached Hamilton City Hall when Coun. Francis proposed a motion on Feb. 11 supporting bars, restaurants, and cafes opening early to serve alcohol starting at 6 a. m.
“This is just temporary; it’s an opt-in option-it’s voluntary,” he stated. “Nobody has to do this, but if some restaurants think they will benefit from it, they can certainly take part and host an event that supports our country.”
Francis and several business owners expect this exemption or extension will get approved based on past events setting a precedent. He noted that Toronto received permission to extend their alcohol service hours. Now Hamilton awaits AGCO’s decision on their municipal application.
During today’s council meeting, Coun. Craig Cassar asked how quickly special permits for alcohol sales could be issued with only about ten days left until the Winter Olympics begin.
City staff mentioned they know some establishments have already made inquiries about doing so prior to today’s vote. Francis feels confident that AGCO will grant approval quickly.
: Welland man facing charges in elder fraud investigation
Source link
Source link
