TORONTO – In a major boost to football fans and the local hospitality sector, the Ontario government has announced that licensed bars and restaurants across the province will be permitted to serve alcohol until 4:00 a.m. during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
The temporary policy change, unveiled by the provincial government, will remain in effect for the entire duration of the global tournament, spanning from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Normally, the “last call” for alcohol service in Ontario is regulated at 2:00 a.m. The decision to extend operating hours aims to accommodate fans eager to watch matches safely in public venues, given that several games are scheduled across various time zones.
According to government officials, the extension will also drive significant economic growth and support service workers. Attorney General Doug Downey and Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming Stan Cho noted that the initiative ensures international visitors and locals can fully experience the tournament’s electric atmosphere while offering a substantial economic lift to Ontario’s tourism sector. As part of this festive rollout, the LCBO will also extend operational hours at 27 select retail locations across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Ottawa.
Conversely, the regulatory landscape will look quite different on the West Coast. British Columbia authorities have confirmed that there will be no adjustments to the standard liquor service timelines in Vancouver. Officials explained that because the local match times at BC Place Stadium and the wider tournament broadcasts naturally align well within B.C.’s existing operational windows, an additional blanket extension for late-night alcohol sales is deemed unnecessary.
