Olympic spirits: Sask. bars can serve liquor as early as 5 a.m. during games

Bars and restaurants in the province can request permission to serve alcohol hours earlier than usual to accommodate Olympic broadcasts.

Saskatchewan’s liquor regulator is allowing bars and restaurants to extend their hours of alcohol service during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) says it will consider requests to open establishments for the sale of alcohol as early as 5 a.m.

Regular hours for liquor service are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Requests will be considered on a case-to-case basis, the SLGA says.

“Saskatchewan loves the Olympics, and businesses have an additional option for customers that want to come together and cheer on Team Canada,” said Warren Kaeding, minister responsible for the SLGA.

“With the time difference between Italy and Saskatchewan, some events will start early in the morning. SLGA will consider requests from businesses to open early to accommodate fans.”

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Interested businesses can request an extension of their hours by contacting SLGA’s liquor licensing branch. Regular rules related to the permit remain in effect, including a requirement for the establishment to serve food.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics run Feb. 6 to Feb. 22. 207 Canadian athletes are taking part, with 107 women and 99 men competing in various sports.