TORONTO – When Team Canada faces off against Sweden for the men’s hockey gold Sunday, chances are you’ll be able to enjoy some early morning brews. And we are not just talking about coffee.
In anticipation of the match, which takes place at 4 p.m. Sochi time, many provinces have eased restrictions on alcohol service.
Although some provinces have enacted a blanket exemption for liquor and beer sales in the early a.m., it’s not unanimous across the country. Here’s how the temporary relaxation of liquor laws may affect your Olympic-watching experience.
Ontario
Toronto bars and restaurants can open as early as 7 a.m. ET., unless they are located in the following city wards:
- Ward 9, York Centre
- Ward 24, Willowdale
- Ward 11, York South-Weston
Toronto’s city adopted similar rules for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. However, the rest of Ontario will have to wait until regular hours to sip suds.
Read More: Where to watch the gold medal game in Toronto
Manitoba
In a provincial first, Manitoba has allowed bars to open early and serve alcohol at 5 a.m. CST.
However, bars had to have an application filed with provincial regulators by Friday in order to get approval for early opening on Sunday.
Read More: Province allows early bar opening for gold medal hockey match
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan government has given “blanket” approval for bars to open at 5:30 a.m. CST on Sunday, with one exception. The city of Prince Albert voluntary excluded itself from the special permission.
Read More: Most Sask. bars given green light to open early for gold medal hockey game
Alberta
Alberta Premier Alison Redford tweeted the all-clear for bars across the province to serve alcohol at 5 a.m. MST.
Read More: Calgary bars to open early Sunday for the Olympic hockey final | Where to watch the Olympic men’s hockey gold medal game in Edmonton
British Columbia
Good news for B.C. hockey fans – bars have been permitted to extend their opening hours for the game’s 4 a.m. PST start time on Sunday. But the bad news for those fans hoping to enjoy a cold draught during the game – liquor isn’t permitted to be serviced until 9 a.m. PST.
Read More: B.C. to allow pubs and bars to open early for Olympic hockey, but no booze allowed
With files from Global News’ Shawn Knox, Peter Meiszner, Andrew Russell, Caley Ramsay, Lisa Geddes and The Canadian Press.
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