Province grants earlier opening hours for pubs and bars during World Cup

Bars and pubs in B.C. will be allowed to be open longer hours during the month-long FIFA World Cup of Soccer in Qatar, but liquor sales will stay the same.

The B.C. government said the expanded hours will give fans more options to watch the Canadian men’s team during late-night and early-morning hours.

The event from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18 in the Middle Eastern country, will mean a 10-hour time difference for people in B.C., leading to games being held during the early-morning hours.

Canada’s preliminary round games in Qatar:

Canada vs. Belgium – November 23 at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (PT)
Canada vs. Croatia – November 27 at 8 a.m. PT
Canada vs. Morocco – December 1 at 7 a.m. PT

While there will be no change to the hours of liquor sales and service, bars, pubs and restaurants will be able to remain open for their patrons and serve non-alcoholic beverages during the extended hours.

“This is the first time that Canada has qualified for the World Cup since 1986,” said Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general. “In recognition of this, liquor primary establishments can extend their hours so soccer fans can support their team in a positive way with other fans, while also supporting the economic recovery of the hospitality sector coming out of the pandemic.”

Expanded hours in the hospitality sector have been allowed previously for other international sporting events, such as the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Vancouver will be one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.