Ontario will allow bars and restaurants across the province to start selling alcohol as of 6 a.m. ET on Sunday as the Canadian men’s hockey team competes for a gold medal at the Olympics.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement in a social media post Friday, not long after Canada toppled Finland in a nail-biting semi-final matchup. The gold medal game starts at 8:10 a.m. ET on Sunday.
“Let’s all come together, support local businesses and cheer on Team Canada!” Ford said.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has posted a notice about the temporary change, noting that it “applies to indoor licensed areas only” and not outdoor areas such as patios.
The provincewide edict mirrors a similar decision made by Toronto city council earlier this month, which allowed alcohol sales in the city to start at 6 a.m. for the duration of the Olympics.
Canada’s men’s hockey team remains undefeated at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, and will face the winner of the other semi-final game between the U.S. and Slovakia.
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