One London councillor is trying to harness the economic power of brunch culture, by proposing the city allow restaurants to serve alcohol starting at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Arielle Kayabaga, who represents Ward 13, is tabling a motion at Tuesday’s corporate services committee that would let restaurants serve as early as the LCBO and Beer Store on the weekend.
Both province-run retailers open their doors at 9 a.m. all throughout the week, while venues in London have to wait until 11 a.m.
“It’s more for people who are already doing mimosas in the morning,” said Kayabaga.
“To build on a culture of brunch in London, as you know, it has been growing,” Kayabaga continued. “Some people say it’s a Toronto thing. It’s not a Toronto thing, it’s a London thing.
“I’m a huge participant of the brunch culture here in London… lines are crazy on Saturdays and Sundays.
If the motion gets traction at city hall, it has to get approval from full council before the city can petition the Alcohol and Gaming Commission to allow the change.
Toronto City Council motion looks at easing liquor laws for restaurants
Toronto has recently moved a similar liquor law amendment.
“It would be fair for us to get the same, equal treatment,” said Kayabaga.
She acknowledges concerns that adding an extra four hours to restaurants’ serving time over the weekend might exacerbate alcohol addiction, but argues that nobody is going to brunch to take tequila shots.
“If somebody already wants to take a tequlia shot, they’re going to take it whether we approve this or not.”