Beer and cocktails can be served earlier in Ontario during FIFA Women's World Cup
Ontarians will be allowed to enjoy a beer or cocktail as early as 7 a.m. during the FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has extended hours of sale and service for the duration of the tournament, which runs from July 20 to August 20. The games are being played in Australia and New Zealand, which means there is a significant time difference for fans hoping to watch their favourite team.
During the month-long tournament, bars and restaurants in the province will be allowed to serve alcohol starting at 7 a.m. Typically, alcohol service is not permitted until at least 9 a.m.
Last call will remain the same, set for 2 a.m.
“The extension of hours for this period is intended to allow service that overlaps with some of the events of the FIFA Women’s World Cup which, because of the time difference involved, will be televised in Ontario early in the morning,” AGCO wrote on its website.
“The Registrar recognizes that the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is an event of international significance for many communities in Ontario and is one of the most watched sporting events in the world. In Ontario specifically, the tournament attracts a large and enthusiastic following within the province’s broad multicultural communities.”
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The extension does not apply to outdoor patio spaces and it is up to each individual licensee if they choose to participate. No additional applications or licences are required.
Municipalities also have the option to opt out of the extended alcohol hours. The AGCO will publish a list of municipalities that will not be participating on its website.
Last year, the Ontario Crown agency permitted extended alcohol sales during the FIFA World Cup.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no
A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General.
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
Wrongfully convicted N.B. man has mixed feelings since exoneration
Robert Mailman, 76, was exonerated on Jan. 4 of a 1983 murder for which he and his friend Walter Gillespie served lengthy prison terms.
Pickup truck driver killed by police after driving through Texas mall and injuring 5
A pickup truck driver fleeing police careened through the doors of a JCPenney store in Texas and continued through a busy mall, injuring five people before he was fatally shot by officers, authorities said.
Unifor members ratify new agreement with Canadian National Railway
Unifor said on Sunday that its members at Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) have ratified a new four-year collective agreement, averting a potential strike action.
6 adults, 4 children taken to hospital following suspected carbon monoxide exposure in Vanier
The Ottawa Paramedic Service says ten people were taken to hospital, one of them in life-threatening condition, following an incident of suspected carbon monoxide exposure Sunday morning in the neighbourhood of Vanier.
Two U.S. Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident, U.S. military says
Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down Sunday over the Red Sea in an apparent 'friendly fire' incident, the U.S military said, marking the most serious incident to threaten troops in over a year of America targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels.
Big splash: Halifax mermaid waves goodbye after 16 years
Halifax's Raina the Mermaid is closing her business after 16 years in the Maritimes.
Second body recovered from site of B.C. landslide
The second resident of a home that was destroyed by a landslide in Lions Bay, B.C., last weekend was found dead Saturday, officials confirmed.