Local bars can serve alcohol starting at 9 a.m. during the FIFA World Cup.
Ontario’s Registrar of Alcohol, Gaming and Racing approved the extension of hours to coincide with the early start time of games broadcast from host Russia.
It applies for the duration of the World Cup, which runs from June 14 to July 15. The 2 a.m. closing time is unchanged.
Hour extensions aren’t normally approved for events happening outside of the province, but the Registrar said the World Cup is one of the world’s most watched sporting events with a large and enthusiastic following in Ontario’s multicultural communities.
Individual establishments can decide if they want to begin serving at 9 a.m.