Bars and pubs in B.C. can temporarily extend operating hours during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, giving fans extra time at their venue of choice to watch the Canadian men’s national soccer team compete during late-night and early-morning hours.

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.

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.”

Liquor Primary establishments will be required to close their doors to patrons for one hour after the end of liquor service, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General noted.

Patrons will not be allowed to enter the establishment until this hour (at a minimum) has passed.

Liquor Primary establishments are not required to notify the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch of their intention to extend their operating hours.

Licensed restaurants are not required to close as they currently have the operational ability to stay open 24 hours. However, hours of liquor service will still be the same as their current liquor licence allows.

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

In June 2022, Vancouver was approved as one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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