Early risers in Toronto may soon be able to roll out of bed and order a pint or cocktail at their local pub as the city looks to extend the hours of alcohol sales during the Olympic Games this month.
In a motion that will be considered by Toronto City Council on Wednesday, Mayor Olivia Chow proposed that between Feb. 5 and Feb. 22, local cafes and restaurants be permitted to start serving booze as early as 6 a.m.
“The time difference between Toronto and Italy means that some events and games will start at 6:00 a.m. EST. As a result, people will want to patronize local cafes and restaurants earlier than standard operating hours,” the motion read.
“For restaurants who wish to open and serve customers, the City should do everything we can to support these local businesses.”
The City can pass a bylaw extending the hours of sale in all or part of Toronto under the Liquor License and Control Act, 2019, the motion continued.
“I am proposing City Council adopt this item so that we can celebrate the Team Canada Olympic spirit(s) throughout the winter games,” Chow wrote.
This is not the first time the exception has been made.
In the summer of 2023, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) extended the hours of sale for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, allowing alcohol to be sold across Ontario as early as 7 a.m. during the tournament.
It is unclear if the AGCO intends to issue a similar directive for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
