Ontario bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve alcohol much later at night during this summer’s FIFA World Cup, the province announced on Tuesday.
From June 11 to July 19, licensed bars and restaurants can sell and serve alcohol until 4 a. m., which is two hours later than Ontario’s usual last call, according to a news release from the province.
“Allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later means that fans can fully experience the energy, excitement and atmosphere of the tournament while supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario,” said Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey in the release.
Ontario will also permit 27 LCBO retail stores in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa to extend their hours during this same period, as stated by the province. The new hours from Monday to Saturday will be from 9 a. m. to 11 p. m., and on Sunday from 9 a. m. to 8 p. m.
This year’s World Cup is being co-hosted by 16 cities throughout North America, including Toronto, where six matches will take place between June 12 and July 2.
The latest games in Toronto will kick off at 7 p. m. ET. Most other matches in the tournament are set to start before 11 p. m. ET, although some may begin at midnight.
This is just one more sporting event where the province is temporarily extending alcohol sales and service hours.
The Ontario government previously allowed bars and restaurants to open earlier during the last World Cup in 2022 when Qatar hosted it, with some matches starting as early as 5:30 a. m. ET. Recently, bars and restaurants were also given permission to serve alcohol at 6 a. m. ET during February’s men’s hockey gold medal game at the Milano-Cortina Winter Games.
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