What to know
- The Ontario government is extending alcohol service hours from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. at licensed bars and restaurants between June 11 and July 19 during the FIFA World Cup.
- The province says the measure is meant to support local businesses, tourism and the overall World Cup atmosphere, while select LCBO locations in the GTA and Ottawa will also have extended hours.
- Residents and international visitors largely supported the change, with some saying late-night celebrations are part of soccer culture and could benefit Toronto’s economy and nightlife scene.
Planning a World Cup celebration? Ontarians will soon be allowed to drink later during the soccer event.
The Ontario government announced on Tuesday it will be allowing licensed restaurants and bars across the province to extend its sale and service of alcoholic beverages until 4 a.m. from June 11 to July 19.
Typically, the last call for alcohol across the province is at 2 a.m.
According to the province, the measure aims to support local businesses and spotlight the province’s tourism sector during the tournament by allowing tourists and residents to “fully experience the energy” of the major event and enjoy local establishments.
“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,” Ontario’s Attorney General Doug Downey said in a statement.
LCBO stores across the GTA and Ottawa will also stay open later during the tournament
In addition to extended last call times, the province will also be extending LCBO store hours in 27 locations across the GTA and Ottawa between June 11 and July 19.
While most stores typically operate between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, these locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday during the World Cup.
Premier Doug Ford shared a video announcing the measure on Tuesday, emphasizing that the province wants fans to make the most of the event.
“Make sure to gather, watch, and celebrate one of the greatest sporting events in the world. And let’s all cheer on Team Canada,” he said.
The move comes after the Ford government launched other measures tackling alcohol consumption across the province, including allowing consumption in most provincial parks and extending licenses to allow festival goers to bring their own alcoholic beverages to a range of public events.
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The move is already sparking debate and excitement across Toronto, where residents and international visitors say extended last calls could transform the city’s nightlife atmosphere during the FIFA World Cup. While some see the measure as a boost for tourism, hospitality and soccer culture, others acknowledge it could also bring late-night chaos to parts of the city.
Residents weigh in on Ontario’s government decision to extend the last call
One resident, Angel A., says he is looking forward to experiencing the World Cup in Toronto, and says the alcohol consumption usually plays a role in the event.
“Personally, if it’s related to FIFA, I am down for it. I think it goes with the sport, it goes with the culture and the commodity, so I’m really looking forward to it,” he told Now Toronto.
The resident also believes that last calls could be permanently extended during the summer, allowing people to enjoy the season.
“During the summer, people want to be outside [and] enjoy. During the winter, you don’t want to be outside. So, [we] might as well extend it all the time just during the summer, and then, in the winter, we go back to regular [hours],” he added.
Another resident, Jack W., says he believes the move will be successful in supporting local businesses, saying he would support a permanent last call extension as long as people drink responsibly.
“It’s good for the city and for local businesses too. There’ll be a lot of demand, so I think it makes sense for the city to supply it to everyone,” he said. “I personally don’t see an issue with it.”
‘I don’t see why it’s a problem’: International visitors say late-night celebrations are part of soccer culture
Meanwhile, U.K. visitor Charlie H. says it is common in his home country for soccer fans to stay out late and drink on soccer match days, and says he supports the measure.
“If you’re in Canada or England or whatever, and your team wins, usually you want to stay out, so it definitely will help a little bit. I don’t see why it’s a problem,” he said.
Similarly, Christopher W., who is visiting the city from Germany, says alcohol is usually sold around the clock in his home country. According to him, although it can create some chaos, the measure could also allow fans to better enjoy the games.
“I can tell you some stories from Germany, it definitely can cause chaos, but it depends. I would say it’s not that much of a problem,” he said.
The visitor also says he is actually more likely to attend World Cup-related events in the city now that alcohol hours are extended.
“It’s definitely more fun with alcohol and friends,” he added.
