Ottawa receives no requests to extend alcohol service hours during Winter Games

A cocktail is made in Ottawa in this file photo dated April 11, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Ottawa restaurants and bars have not asked the city for permission to serve alcohol earlier this normal during the Milano Cortina Winter Games.

Toronto City Council approved a motion to allow businesses in Toronto to start selling alcohol at 6 a.m. during the Winter Games, which run until Feb. 22. The gold medal game in men’s hockey is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and the gold medal match in women’s curling is set for 5 a.m. on Feb. 22.

Ottawa’s Bylaw Services tells CTV News Ottawa it has not received any requests to extend alcohol service during the Winter Games at Ottawa restaurants and bars.

“As of January 2025, Bylaw and Regulatory Services (BLRS) have the delegated authority to issue letters of municipal significance for premises holding a valid liquor license, allowing a one-time temporary extension of liquor service hours before 5 a.m.,” Roger Chapman, Director of Bylaw and Regulatory Services, told CTV News Ottawa.

“At this time, BLRS has not received any requests from establishments seeking to extend alcohol service for the Winter Olympics.”

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) said it did not receive any requests from Ottawa establishments to extend alcohol service hours during the Winter Games.

“Typically, the AGCO has not extended hours for alcohol service for televised events that take place outside of Ontario,” the AGCO said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

“At this time, the AGCO has not decided to extend liquor sales hours across Ontario in connection with the 2026 Olympic Games. The AGCO is always prepared to work with municipalities to help them manage any requests they may have and ensure appropriate safeguards and resources are in place to support safe and responsible service.”

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