Toronto

Ontario extending last call at bars and restaurants during FIFA World Cup

By
Joshua Freeman

Published: 

A woman pours a drink at a Toronto bar in this file photo. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young)

Bars and restaurants around Ontario will have an extended last call that will stretch until 4 a.m. during the FIFA World Cup, the province says.

Attorney General Doug Downey announced the move in a press release Tuesday.

“This summer, fans visiting from around the world will gather in Toronto to celebrate world-class sport,” Downey said in a statement. “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.”

Toronto is set to host six World Cup games at Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place during the tournament.

The province says it is working with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to enable the temporary extension of hours for establishments that are already licensed to sell alcohol for the duration of the tournament.

The extended hours will be in place from June 11 to June 19.

The newly completed 7,000 seats (grey area) in the south end of BMO Field are shown as part of the stadium’s upgrades ahead of hosting six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Toronto, Ont., March 24, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Eduardo Lima The newly completed 7,000 seats (grey area) in the south end of BMO Field are shown as part of the stadium’s upgrades ahead of hosting six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Toronto, Ont., March 24, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Eduardo Lima

There are a handful of World Cup games on the west coast that will start at midnight in Toronto. Those games, which include Tunisia-Japan and Austria-Jordan, would still likely conclude by 2 a.m.

The LCBO will also be extending hours at 27 select stores across the GTA and Ottawa for the same period. The extended hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

One of four giant LCD screens located around the pitch at BMO Field is shown as part of the stadium’s upgrades ahead of hosting six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Toronto, Ont., March 24, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Eduardo Lima One of four giant LCD screens located around the pitch at BMO Field is shown as part of the stadium’s upgrades ahead of hosting six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Toronto, Ont., March 24, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Eduardo Lima

Last call in Ontario is usually 2 a.m., but the province has extended drinking hours before for major sporting events, such as the recent gold medal hockey game between Canada and the U.S.

Provincial officials said the move will also boost the experience for tourists visiting the city.

“Extending last call during the FIFA World Cup 2026 will help Ontario deliver a safe, vibrant and welcoming experience for fans from around the world,” Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho said in a statement.

“As Ontario welcomes visitors for this global event, this measure will give people more time to enjoy our world-class bars and restaurants while supporting the province’s tourism sector.”

Mayor Olivia Chow said she supports the move, saying in a statement it will help showcase “the world-class hospitality that defines Toronto.”