BC Liquor Primary Licensees Permitted to Open Early During 2022 FIFA World Cup

BC liquor primary licensees may open earlier than stated on their BC liquor license for the hosting of televised 2022 FIFA World Cup games. Licensees may not serve alcohol during the earlier hours, but can serve non-alcoholic beverages during that time. BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (BCLCRB) has temporarily authorized early openings hours effective from November 20 – December 18, 2022.

Important
Permissible liquor sales and service hours are unchanged. Only permissible opening hours are affected.

Highlights of the temporary terms and conditions:

• During the FIFA World Cup, liquor primary licensees may open for non-liquor service before 6am
• There must be a minimum of 1 hour between the time liquor service ends and the opening for non-liquor service
• Minors are permitted in the business outside of liquor service hours
• Patron capacity limits, as stipulated in a licensee’s BC liquor license, are still in effect

Liquor primary licensees don’t have to apply for approval, although BCLCRB recommends that licensees check with local government (e.g., municipalities) about opening hours restrictions that may be in place at the local government level.

View BCLCRB policy directive 22-15 (PDF).

Background

In an October 31 news release, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, announced the change, stating “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 in Qatar (a 10-hour time difference) and games will often be televised in BC during non-opening hours. Bell Media owns the broadcast rights and will air games on Bell’s TSN. CTV will broadcast some games. View the TSN FIFA World Cup broadcast schedule, which also shows air dates on CTV.

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