Toronto 
Qatar has banned FIFA World Cup spectators in the country’s stadiums from drinking beer, but those in Ontario can head to pubs and restaurants and celebrate Canada’s participation in the most popular sporting tournament in the world by imbibing alcohol as early as 7 a.m.
Credit: Budweiser
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) today announced that liquor sales by licensed businesses will be permitted to start at 7 a.m. for the duration of the FIFA World Cup 2022 – Sunday, November 20 to Sunday, December 18, 2022.
The reason for the change in timings is because of the time difference – Qatar is eight (EST) to nine hours (CST) ahead of Ontario and World Cup games will be broadcast in Canada starting in the morning.
The temporary change in AGCO extension rules will allow licensed businesses to serve alcohol at a time better aligned with kickoff times.
AGCO says the rule change will apply to licensed establishments provincewide and municipalities can object to the extension of hours in their jurisdiction.
Individual businesses can decide whether to start serving alcohol early outside ordinary permissible hours of service (i.e., 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.).
CANADA – WORLD CUP SCHEDULE
- November 23 | 2:00 pm EDT — FIFA World Cup: Belgium vs. Canada (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium)
- November 27 | 11:00 am EDT — FIFA World Cup: Croatia vs. Canada (Khalifa International Stadium)
- December 1 | 10:00 am EDT — FIFA World Cup: Canada vs. Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium)
