Ontario to allow earlier liquor sales during 2022 World Cup tournament
Posted November 18, 2022 1:55 pm.
Last Updated November 18, 2022 2:00 pm.
Ontarians will be able to enjoy a pint or two at their favourite establishment while watching the World Cup soccer tournament.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) on Friday approved the sale of liquor starting at 7 a.m. for the duration of the World Cup, which begins Nov. 20 and ends Dec. 18.
Last call will remain unchanged at 2 a.m.
The AGCO says the extended hours will apply to all licensed areas, including patios.
The 2022 tournament is being held in Qatar, a 10-hour time difference from Toronto, meaning the early games kick off at 8 a.m. ET. Provincial regulations currently allow establishments to begin serving alcohol at 9 a.m.
The commission did note that while temporary extensions are not normally provided for events taking place outside of the province, the World Cup is “an event of international significance for many communities in Ontario and is one of the most watched sporting events in the world.”
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The announcement comes after Toronto Mayor John Tory threw his support behind the idea of extended hours, noting the extra hour of alcohol service would help the service industry that has been severely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic closures.
“We must continue to find unique opportunities to ensure our establishments can come back stronger than ever and to support jobs,” reads a letter Tory sent to the rest of City Council on Wednesday.
“International events of this magnitude, which bring various cultures across Toronto to be passionately represented, offer a unique opportunity for us to continue to support small businesses in this diverse and dynamic city.”
Canada qualified for the World Cup this year for the first time since 1986 and will take on Belgium at 2 p.m. on Nov. 23.
