Item - 2026.CC37.5

The Mayor recommends that:  

1. City Council authorize the extension of the hours of alcohol sales and service in the City of Toronto to begin at 6:00 a.m. between February 5 and February 22, 2026, to allow the public and local cafes and restaurants to enjoy and benefit from the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce a by-law substantially as set out in Appendix 1 to this report.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place from February 4 to February 22, 2026. People across Toronto will be cheering on Team Canada with enthusiasm and pride.

The time difference between Toronto and Italy means that some events and games will start at 6:00 a.m. EST. As a result, people will want to patronize local cafes and restaurants earlier than standard operating hours. For restaurants who wish to open and serve customers, the City should do everything we can to support these local businesses.

Under the Liquor License and Control Act, 2019, the City may itself pass a by-law extending the hours of sale in all or part of the City by holders of licenses under the Act. I am proposing City Council adopt this item so that we can celebrate the Team Canada Olympic spirit(s) throughout the winter games.