Fancy a pint while watching Iceland smash Argentina on Saturday morning? The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has announced it will allow any restaurant or bar to serve beer, wine, and liquor as early as 9:00 a.m during the FIFA 2018 World Cup.

Citing the appeal of the global sports event to Ontario’s wide range of ethnic communities, the extension of liquor operating hours will be automatic, no permit required, to anyone already operating with an alcohol permit. Venues that have restrictions on operating hours will be required to stay within those restrictions.

The temporary extension will be from June 14 to July 15, due to the seven-hour time difference between Ontario and Russia. There will be no extension to how late a bar can operate, which is 2 a.m. in most municipalities.

Cities are not obligated to approve the provincial decision and can appeal the liquor extension of any bar to the AGCO, and the AGCO will honour that city’s request. There is no indication that Brampton will ask for a restriction on hours during this temporary event.

No doubt some of Brampton’s sports bars will offer these extended hours, and we have a list of good sports bars to catch a game. That being said, a restaurant doesn’t have to show the game to operate extended liquor hours, which will mean for a good month, you may be able to enjoy an early morning mimosa.

The AGCO previously approved extended liquor hours for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

For those who don’t or can’t drink, the city will be showing every match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on the screen in Garden Square.

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