Ontarians will be able to drink later into the early morning hours during the FIFA World Cup. The Ford government is expected to announce plans to extend last call until 4 a.m for the duration of the tournament, 680 NewsRadio has exclusively learned. Some LCBOs will also stay open later. Normally, licensed establishments can serve alcohol only until 2 a.m., but the province will allow restaurants and bars to sell alcohol until 4 a.m. between June 11 and July 19. Bars and restaurants usually have
to apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for a Temporary Extension of Hours permit for such events; however, no application will be required for the World Cup, meaning any such licensed establishment can serve until 4 a.m. if it wants to. The Ford government is billing the move as one that will help boost businesses and support hospitality workers. “Allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later means that fans can fully experience the energy, excitement and atmosphere of the tournament
while supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario,” says Attorney General Doug Downey. What’s more, the LCBO is extending hours at 27 of its retail stores across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Ottawa for the duration of the World Cup. Extended hours at select stores will be 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Ford government, last call, 4 a.m., LCBO, AGCO, Doug Downey, FIFA World Cup, Ontario, alcohol hours, hospitality workers
So basically they’re letting everyone get hammered until 4am? Cool.
Wait is this for Canada only? My cousin said LCBO is staying open later so I’m assuming the bars too. Honestly as long as they don’t overserve people.
That headline makes it sound like Ford personally stays open till 4, not the bars lol. Also if no AGCO permit is required, doesn’t that kinda mean rules got removed? I’m not buying the “help boost businesses” part, seems like it’s just to keep fans spending.
I don’t even watch soccer but I feel like this is gonna turn into a parking lot mess by 3am. 4am last call from June 11 to July 19… that’s like half the summer. And then people will act surprised when there are fights. Also why would LCBO be 9-11? like it’s random.