Doug Ford approves 6 a.m. alcohol sales in Ontario for Team Canada gold medal game

Ontario Premier Doug Ford at an announcement on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Dec. 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick (left) Canada supporters celebrate during a men's ice hockey semifinal game between Canada and Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics. AP Photo/Hassan Ammar (right)

Premier Doug Ford says bars and restaurants across Ontario will be permitted to begin serving alcohol at 6 a.m. on Sunday as Canada’s men’s hockey team competes for Olympic gold.

“The entire country will be watching on Sunday morning as our men’s hockey team plays for Olympic gold. To help us all celebrate Team Canada, the province will be allowing bars and restaurants across the province to sell alcohol starting at 6:00 a.m. EST. Let’s all come together, support local businesses and cheer on Team Canada!” Ford wrote in a statement on social media.

The move comes weeks after some municipalities and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow introduced a motion allowing local cafes and restaurants to begin serving alcohol as early as 6 a.m. between Feb. 5 and Feb. 22.

It should be noted that Ontario has previously adjusted alcohol service rules for prior major sporting events.

In the summer of 2023, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario extended hours of sale during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, permitting alcohol sales across the province as early as 7 a.m. during the tournament.