TORONTO: As Team Canada prepares to battle for gold in the Winter Olympics Men’s Ice Hockey final, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that bars and restaurants across the province can begin serving alcohol as early as 6:00 AM this Sunday. The temporary extension aims to allow fans to gather and cheer for the national team while providing a financial boost to local hospitality businesses during the high-stakes game.
This province-wide move follows earlier actions by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and several other municipalities, which had already authorized 6:00 AM service from February 5 through February 22 to coincide with various Olympic events. The government highlighted that such measures are designed to bring communities together to support Canadian athletes during significant international competitions.
Ontario has a history of adjusting liquor service hours for major sporting events to accommodate international time zones. A similar extension was granted during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario permitted service starting at 7:00 AM. Fans are encouraged to celebrate responsibly as they watch the national team strive for Olympic glory.
