Sports fans who want to catch early-morning events at their local pub now have the option in Mississauga. Bars and restaurants licensed to sell alcohol in the city can start serving at 6 a.m. until the end of the Winter Games, after the province's liquor regulator signed off on a request from city council.
The city announced on Tuesday that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) had approved the change. The early start applies until Sunday, Feb. 22, and regular licensed hours return on Monday, Feb. 23. The usual 2 a.m. last call does not change.
How it came about
The request started as a motion from Councillor Stephen Dasko, seconded by Councillor Brad Butt, at the Feb. 11 council meeting. It asked the registrar of the AGCO to designate the Milano Cortina Winter Games, running Feb. 6 to 22, as an event of national significance, and to let licensed bars and restaurants in Mississauga serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to coincide with early-morning broadcasts of the Games.
Council passed the motion 11-0, and the city clerk forwarded the request to the commission. The AGCO approved it on Feb. 13, two days after the vote, so the early start applies only to the last stretch of competition.
In the motion, council congratulated Canadian athletes competing in Italy and pointed to the enthusiasm residents have shown in cheering them on. Dasko told council the change was about supporting local businesses during the Games.
Check before you go
The change is permissive, not mandatory. Each licensed establishment decides whether to open early, and the city is advising residents to check with their local bar or restaurant to see if it is taking part.
The city also reminded residents and businesses to celebrate safely and responsibly. Anyone heading out to watch a game early should plan a safe way home, whether by transit, taxi or a designated driver.
