Some Vancouver bars and restaurants will be pouring pints before sunrise on Sunday morning as the city rushes to approve applications for extended liquor hours ahead of the men’s Olympic gold medal hockey game between Canada and the U.S.
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In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, the City of Vancouver (COV) says it has seen increased interest from establishments looking to open early for the big game, with 15 applications submitted and 12 processed and sent to the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for final approval as of Friday afternoon.
“For requests related to this game, both organizations have been processing approvals quickly,” the statement read.
The city said some establishments have been cleared to begin liquor service as early as 5:30 a.m. Sunday.
The following locations have received both LCRB and COV approval:
Bells and Whistles Pub – 3296 Fraser St
Leopold’s Tavern – 1619 W Broadway
Shark Club – 180 W Georgia St
Craft Beer Market Restaurant & Bar – 85 W 1st Ave
The Pint Public House – 475 Abbott St
Par-Tee Putt / Dublin Calling / Slate – 670 Smithe St
Steamworks Brewing Co. Kitchen & Taphouse – 2275 Main St
Roxy Burger – 910 Granville St
Parq Casino – 39 Smithe St
The following locations have received COV approval and are pending LCRB approval:
Sands Motor Hotel – 1755 Davie St
Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way
Kelly O’Bryans – 1774 W 7th Ave
Joeys Grill & Lounge – 820 Burrard St
Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, says the quick turnaround marks a significant improvement in government response times.
“I’m pleasantly surprised — that’s the kind of thing we’ve been pushing for,” Tostenson told 1130 NewsRadio, adding it’s a positive sign ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when he imagines similar approvals will be needed for patios and large crowds.
“When we can actually fix things and move forward and do things in an unconventional but responsible way, it’s really motivating.”
City staff they are continuing to process the remaining applications, while the province works through final approvals in time for the Sunday matchup.
Temporary liquor licence extensions for special events can be approved up to six times per year and require sign-off from both the municipality and the province, according to the COV.
