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last mo.

Ontario Extends Last Call to 4 a.m. for FIFA World Cup

The province says the temporary change will help tourism by letting bars and restaurants show late matches and serve visiting fans.

A pint of beer is poured in the Mill Street Brewery in Toronto on Oct. 9, 2015.
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Ontario bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. from June 11 to July 19, the province announced Tuesday, as the World Cup comes to North America.

Overview

  • The province, which announced the change Tuesday, will allow licensed bars and restaurants to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. from June 11 to July 19 for the FIFA World Cup.
  • The Liquor Control Board of Ontario will extend hours at 27 retail stores in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa with Monday–Saturday hours of 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Ontario says it is coordinating with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to implement the policy, but one exclusive report said establishments may not need individual Temporary Extension permits and that detail has not been fully confirmed.
  • Officials framed the change as a boost for jobs, local restaurants and nightlife and Premier Doug Ford promoted the move in a video to encourage fans to gather for late matches.
  • The measure follows past temporary changes for major sporting events and raises questions about policing, emergency services and crowd control that local authorities and businesses will need to plan for during the tournament.