Toronto extended bar hours

Toronto agrees to allow bars to serve drinks starting at 7am

Waking up before sunrise to watch an Olympic Hockey Game at a local bar – in February – sounds rough. Hey, at least you can get drunk about it!

Our benevolent leaders have voted in favour of allowing licensed bars and restaurants to start serving alcohol at 7 a.m. during some parts (i.e. the hockey parts) of this year's Olympic Winter Games.

"Torontonians especially look forward to the culmination of the hockey tournament with a great deal of enthusiasm and always celebrate with vigor," read a members motion put forward by city councillor Mike Layton.

The motion, which was passed during yesterday's city council meeting, bills the forthcoming Olympic hockey finals "an opportunity for residents to come together to celebrate and cheer for their team and country."

Timing is a bit of an issue this year, however, as the Games are in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Some of the semi-final and final hockey matches are scheduled to take place as early as 7:10 a.m., when serving alcohol is usually off-limits in Toronto.

Layton argued that alcohol should be served earlier than the provincial standard during all men's and women's medal games for the sake of both fans and restaurant owners. Enough councillors agreed with him that the motion was passed.

Alcohol service hours will now be extended in The City of Toronto on February 19, 23 and 24 so that the public can "enjoy and benefit from the medal games" while drinking beer and, maybe, if Canada wins, some celebratory Moet.

Just kidding, hockey fans. I meant "more beer."

Lead photo by

Sue Holland


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Thousands of people want to boycott Loblaws stores 'indefinitely'

One of the most anticipated Toronto restaurants of the year is now open

Toronto cafe is closing after 12 years

New food hall in Toronto with over 50 vendors opens this month

Loblaws finally agrees to sign Canada's Grocery Code of Conduct

Toronto restaurant that enforced a no-tipping policy is shutting down

15 restaurants in Toronto that make you feel like you're in Europe

Toronto co-op grocery store says people are flocking to join amid Loblaws boycott