BC Bar hours to be extended during World Cup tournament

It's off to Qatar later this month for Canada's National Soccer Team
and the BC Gov't is looking to help with the party in British Columbia
(photo from Canada Soccer website)

Fans of Team Canada will be able to pop into their favourite beverage house beyond the normal hours to cheer on the squad in Qatar for this years FIFA World Cup. 

That as the BC Government relaxes the rules for Closing (and Opening) time for those establishments which choose to take advantage of the month long opportunity.

The announcement came Monday from Mike Farnworth the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General for BC, who noted of the success of the Canadian soccer team hading to Qatar.

“This is the first time that Canada has qualified for the World Cup since 1986. 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.”

The FIFA World Cup is held in Qatar this year from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18, and the 10-hour time difference means many of the games will be held during the early-morning hours in B.C.

And while if they choose the beverage houses and bars may remain open, you will have to nurse your beverage for a fair bit of time perhaps, as part of the announcement from Monday it was noted that:

"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."

You can review the announcement here, along with some background information related to the hospitality sector for the period of November 20-December 18.

Team Canada's first Tournament match takes place on November 23rd agains Belgium with an 11AM Pacific Start.  

The squad has a number of Friendly matches set for the week before the World Cup kicks off.

Follow Team Canada on their journey to Qatar from the Canada Soccer website and social media feed.

More notes from the Legislature can be reviewed here.

Items of interest from the Northwest Commercial Sector are available here.