Ottawa bars can serve alcohol at 7 a.m. during World Cup

(Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash)

Soccer fans in Ottawa will be able to enjoy a pint at bars and restaurants starting at 7 a.m. during the FIFA World Cup.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has approved the start of liquor service at all licensed establishments at 7 a.m. from Sunday until Dec. 18. The FIFA World Cup kicks off on Sunday with host Qatar vs. Ecuador. Games start as early as 5 a.m. during the group stage.

"The extension of hours applies to all licensed areas at a licensed establishment, including the patio," the AGCO said.

Licensed establishments are currently permitted to sell and serve alcohol starting at 9 a.m. seven days a week.

The Registrar of the AGCO says the World Cup is a unique event.

"While temporary extensions are not normally provided for events taking place outside of the province or applicable to outdoor licensed areas, the Registrar recognizes that the FIFA World Cup 2022 is an event of international significance for many communities in Ontario and is one of the most watched sporting events in the world," the AGCO said in a statement.

"In Ontario specifically, the tournament attracts a large and enthusiastic following within the province’s broad multicultural communities."

The Glebe Central Pub on Bank Street says it will open for beers, breakfast and soccer on Monday, when England faces Iran at 8 a.m.

"I think any excuse to kick back and relax a little bit on a Monday morning is a great excuse to hang out and watch some soccer," owner Dave Hania told Newstalk 580 CFRA's Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron.

Hania says the Glebe Central Pub has a partnership with the Arsenal soccer crowd, and planned to open for the England game.

"We are looking for a very busy week, really a month, of soccer audiences coming into our pub," Hania said, adding the Capital City supporter group will be at the Glebe Central Pub during all Canada games.

Canada's first game is Wednesday at 2 p.m. 

The AGCO will permit liquor sales licensees to extend their hours of sales and service from 7:00am to 2:00am for the duration of the 2022 @FIFAWorldCup (Nov. 20 – Dec 18, 2022), providing that their municipalities have not objected: https://t.co/bVUHre8MBT pic.twitter.com/npodzHtN9u

— AGCO (@Ont_AGCO) November 18, 2022

Bars and restaurants can decide whether to begin serving at 7 a.m.

A municipality can object to the extension of hours in their jurisdiction, and must notify the Registrar of the AGCO in writing of their objection.

Last call at bars and restaurants remains at 2 a.m. during the World Cup.