Ontario to extend bar hours to 4 a.m. for World Cup

The Ontario government will temporarily extend alcohol service hours in licensed establishments to 4 a.m. during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, a measure officials say is designed to support tourism and local businesses. The extension, announced Tuesday, will be in effect from June 11 to July 19, moving the standard last call time forward by two hours.

The policy applies to bars and restaurants across the province and coincides with Toronto hosting six tournament matches, beginning June 12. Officials stated that no special application will be required for establishments to operate under the extended hours during this period. In a statement, Attorney General Doug Downey said allowing venues to stay open later enables fans to fully experience the tournament's atmosphere while supporting jobs and economic growth.

Select LCBO stores will also operate on a later schedule. Twenty-seven locations in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa will extend their hours, opening from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays for the duration of the event.

The provincial government has enacted similar temporary extensions for major sporting events in the past, such...