Alberta Approves Overnight Bar Hours for 2026 Olympics

Alberta liquor regulators have approved temporary extended service hours for the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, allowing bars, lounges and restaurants to open early for overnight medal events.

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis has authorized the expanded hours for the duration of the Games, running Feb. 6–22, as the nine-hour time difference between Italy and Alberta will push much of the Olympic schedule into overnight and early morning hours locally. Olympic competition is expected to begin around midnight Mountain Standard Time, with most medal rounds taking place early in the morning and coverage tapering off by the afternoon.

Under the policy, restaurant owners may apply to extend hours to broadcast medal-round events in any Olympic sport, as well as Team Canada hockey games, provided they submit notice to the AGLC at least three working days in advance for each event. Establishments may not operate for a full 24-hour period and must close for at least one hour before and after the event during expanded service.

All standard AGLC rules remain in effect, including food service and last-call requirements and a one-hour post-service consumption window. The framework allows businesses to opt in on an event-by-event basis while maintaining public safety requirements.

Some hospitality operators say the extended hours present a meaningful opportunity for the local industry.

“We do see the extended service hours as a worthwhile opportunity and plan to participate where it makes sense operationally,” said Brittany Rondeau, brand and marketing director for Creative Restaurants Group. “For hospitality businesses like ours, the ability to open earlier for key medal-round events allows us to serve guests during hours that would otherwise generate no revenue, particularly early morning windows.”

As of publication, Banff’s Rose & Crown is the only establishment to confirm participation in extended Olympic service hours. The pub plans to open early for key men’s and women’s hockey medal-round games, including bronze and gold medal matches.

Elsewhere, The Fat Ox is marking the Olympics with a limited-time feature menu, with 15% of sales donated to Rocky Mountain Adaptive to support accessible outdoor experiences in the Bow Valley. However, the restaurant has not confirmed extended service hours.