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
From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief
Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
BREAKING Matt Gaetz drops bid for Trump attorney general in face of U.S. Senate opposition
Hardline Republican Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's attorney general, in the face of opposition from the Senate Republicans whose support he would have needed to win the job.
Mother charged after infant dies in midtown Toronto: police
The mother of an infant who died after being found at an apartment building in midtown Toronto on Wednesday has been charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life.
Here's a list of items that will be GST/HST-free over the holidays
Canadians won’t have to pay GST on a selection of items this holiday season, the prime minister vowed on Thursday.
Manitoba RCMP issue Canada-wide warrant for Ontario semi-driver charged in deadly crash
Manitoba RCMP have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for the semi-driver involved in a crash that killed an eight-year-old girl and her mother.
2 arrested during Greenpeace protest outside Stornoway residence in Ottawa
Two people have been arrested following a protest outside Stornoway, the official residence of Canada's leader of the Opposition.
Arrest warrant issued for suspect charged in Toronto airport gold heist
Peel police say a bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of one of the suspects charged in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
'This is cold': P.E.I. mother upset over decision to remove late daughter's photos from school memorial wall
A high school on Prince Edward Island is removing pictures of its late students from a memorial wall – a decision that has upset one mother whose daughter attended the school.
Son of Norway crown princess detained for one week in rape probe
The son of Norway's crown princess will be jailed for up to one week while police investigate accusations of rape made against him, a judge ruled on Wednesday.