FIFA World Cup Extended Hours

Motion 12 · Council Meeting, November 15, 2022

Carried Moved by Pete Fry

Summary

The BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) issued a policy directive on October 31, 2022 allowing bars and pubs (Liquor Primary licence holders) to open early during the 2022 FIFA World Cup (November 20 – December 18), accommodating game broadcasts from Qatar, which is 11 hours ahead of BC time; alcohol service hours remain unchanged, but food and non-alcoholic beverages can be served during extended hours.
Vancouver's existing Business Premises Regulation of Hours By-law does not currently align with the Province's extended hours, meaning local bars and pubs cannot legally take advantage of the provincial allowance without a by-law amendment.
Staff recommend amending the by-law to allow all Liquor Establishments across Vancouver to operate under the extended hours permitted by the provincial directive for the duration of the tournament.
Additionally, staff recommend temporarily lifting the existing 2:00am–6:00am closure requirement for restaurants in the Downtown Eastside during the World Cup period, since this restriction does not apply to restaurants in the rest of the city.
The extended hours would be strictly temporary, reverting to normal rules on December 19, 2022; staff acknowledge some risk of late-night noise and neighbourhood impacts but note potential financial benefits to businesses and community benefits for sports fans.
The Director of Legal Services was instructed to bring forward the necessary by-law amendment in accordance with the recommendation.