Bars, pubs and cafés across Toronto will be permitted to serve alcohol as early as 6 a.m. for much of February, after city council approved a temporary change aimed at tapping into the excitement around the Winter Olympic Games in Italy.
Under the decision passed Wednesday, licensed establishments can begin selling alcohol three hours earlier than usual, allowing patrons to gather for live Olympic events that will air during Toronto’s early mornings due to the six-hour time difference with Europe. The Winter Olympics officially run from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22, with some competitions, including curling, starting even earlier.
Normally, alcohol service in Toronto is restricted to between 9 a.m. and 2 a.m., except on special occasions such as New Year’s Eve. However, the city has made similar temporary adjustments during past global sporting events, including the 2014 and 2018 Olympic Games.
The proposal was brought forward by Olivia Chow, who argued that the change would help local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic during the Games.
“People will want to gather at cafés and restaurants earlier than normal to watch events together,” Chow noted in a report to council. “If businesses want to open their doors early, the City should support them.”
The hospitality industry welcomed the move. The Ontario Restaurant Hotel Motel Association sent a letter to council encouraging approval, saying the flexibility could provide a much-needed boost to a sector still recovering from economic challenges.
Chow acknowledged some concern about the optics of early-morning drinking but emphasized moderation and context. “I don’t think people would mind having a pint,” she said. “Some may be just getting off work, others may simply want to watch the Games together.”
With council’s approval now in place, Toronto establishments can legally raise a glass at sunrise at least for the duration of the Olympics turning early mornings into communal viewing parties and offering a lift to local pubs, cafés and restaurants.
