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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has announced extended hours for establishments to serve alcohol during the upcoming World Cup.

From Thursday until July 15, bars will be allowed to begin serving alcohol at 9 a.m. to allow for the early start of some soccer games, which are being played in Russia.

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The closing time of 2 a.m. will remain unchanged.

“While temporary extensions are not normally provided for events taking place outside of the province, the registrar (of the AGCO) recognizes that the 2018 FIFA World Cup is an event of international significance for many communities in Ontario and is one of the most watched sporting events in the world,” the commission said in a news release.

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

Bar owners are not obliged to begin service at 9 a.m. and doing so is an individual business decision, the commission said.