Ontario extending last call at bars and restaurants during FIFA World Cup

A woman pours a drink at a Toronto bar in this file photo. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young)

Bars and restaurants around Ontario will have an extended last call that will stretch until 4 a.m. during the FIFA World Cup, the province says.

Attorney General Doug Downey announced the move in a press release Tuesday.

“This summer, fans visiting from around the world will gather in Toronto to celebrate world-class sport,” Downey said in a statement. “Allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later means that fans can fully experience the energy, excitement and atmosphere of the tournament while supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario.”

Toronto is set to host six World Cup games at Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place during the tournament.

The province says it is working with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to enable the temporary extension of hours for establishments that are already licensed to sell alcohol for the duration of the tournament.

The extended hours will be in place from June 11 to June 19.

There are a handful of World Cup games on the west coast that will start at midnight in Toronto. Those games, which include Tunisia-Japan and Austria-Jordan, would still likely conclude by 2 a.m.

The LCBO will also be extending hours at 27 select stores across the GTA and Ottawa for the same period. The extended hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Last call in Ontario is usually 2 a.m., but the province has extended drinking hours before for major sporting events, such as the recent gold medal hockey game between Canada and the U.S.

Provincial officials said the move will also boost the experience for tourists visiting the city.

“Extending last call during the FIFA World Cup 2026 will help Ontario deliver a safe, vibrant and welcoming experience for fans from around the world,” Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho said in a statement.

“As Ontario welcomes visitors for this global event, this measure will give people more time to enjoy our world-class bars and restaurants while supporting the province’s tourism sector.”

Mayor Olivia Chow said she supports the move, saying in a statement it will help showcase “the world-class hospitality that defines Toronto.”

• READ MORE: Toronto, one of the most diverse cities in the world, will host 6 World Cup games: 5 things to know