Whether it’s coffee of something a bit stronger, Torontonians will have quite a few options of what to have while they watch the early morning gold medal Olympic hockey game between Canada and Sweden Sunday.
The game begins earlier than most hockey fans are used to — at 7 a.m. ET — but thanks to Toronto’s extended liquor licences, many businesses are expecting a packed crowd.
“We have huge party reservations coming in. Should be really awesome, we're all pumped for the game,” said local waitress Leanna Tsiakos.
Dozens of her colleagues have been called in extra early to start serving, she said.
A motion introduced by Toronto city Coun. Mike Layton and passed on Thursday permits alcohol to be served in Toronto as early as 6 a.m. Friday through Sunday, the final day of competition at the Winter Games in Sochi.
“Everyone’s been asking if were gonna be serving beer and food,” said Bryer Lees, manager of The Pour House. “So it’s definitely going to help our business for sure.”
But it’s not just bars — even some churches will be showing the big game Sunday morning before traditional services.
Pastor Matt Vincent of The Meeting Place said he is planning on bringing people together to watch the game.
“We’re going to use the CBC website [to watch it], “ he said. “
“People are going to be watching it anyway so, in some ways, [there’s] no point in fighting it. Better to celebrate it and rally people around it.”
Toronto police are reminding the public that officers will be out conducting RIDE programs, and are encouraging people to plan their transportation ahead of time, should they be drinking.
Where to watch
If you're looking for a licensed venue, here is a list of some bars and just a few of the restaurants in Toronto that will be open early for the game:
- Real Sports
- Wayne Gretzky’s
- Shoeless Joe’s
- The Dog and Bear
- Rally Sportsbar and smokehouse
- The Queen and Beaver
Or, join us for the Men's Gold Medal Hockey Game & Closing Ceremony in the CBC atrium, with our complimentary pancake breakfast starting at 7:00 a.m! (while quantities last)