B.C. government extends FIFA World Cup liquor patio licences through September | Daily Hive

B.C. government extends FIFA World Cup temporary liquor patio licences through September

Vancouver's Granville Street Pedestrian Zone for the FIFA World Cup, as seen on June 12, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)

Temporary liquor patios approved for the 2026 FIFA World Cup can remain open a few weeks longer, with the Government of British Columbia now allowing eligible restaurants, pubs, and other hospitality businesses to apply for extensions through Sunday, Sept. 6.

The provincial government announced yesterday that businesses with approved temporary outdoor licensed areas tied to the tournament can seek to keep those patios operating until the Labour Day weekend.

The move is intended to help hospitality operators continue benefiting from the momentum generated by the tournament for the rest of the peak summer tourism season.

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“Our goal is to help B.C. businesses make the most of this global tournament and the busy summer season beyond,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C. minister of jobs and economic growth, in a statement.

“Extending these patio approvals gives hospitality operators more flexibility to welcome guests and increase revenue during one of the year’s most important periods. This means stronger local businesses, more jobs and a better experience for both residents and visitors in communities throughout B.C.”

The temporary patio approvals are overseen by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, which will work with local governments, including the City of Vancouver, to process the extensions. The provincial government says the aim is to allow eligible businesses to benefit from the longer operating window as quickly as possible.

In Vancouver, this move is especially tied to the activity seen in the Granville Entertainment District, where temporary outdoor spaces and pedestrian-oriented changes were introduced during the World Cup period.

Last week, due to the vehicle-free activated street’s highly apparent success, Vancouver City Council also approved the extension of the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone through Labour Day, Sept. 7, along with the FIFA World Cup-related temporary patios and public realm expansions across Vancouver.

“Vancouver has rediscovered what’s possible when we put people at the heart of our city,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver.

“Granville Street has been full of energy, local businesses are seeing more customers, and residents and visitors have told us loud and clear they want this momentum to continue. Extending the pilot through the summer gives businesses the certainty they need, supports our local economy, and allows us to gather even more data as we continue delivering on the long-term vision for Granville Street.”

The provincial government notes that extending the patios will help restaurants, pubs, and other hospitality businesses maintain revenue and staffing levels after the World Cup, while also adding more outdoor dining and gathering options for residents and visitors.

The extension is also being framed as a boost to tourism, with patio season seen as a major part of B.C.’s summer visitor experience.

“We’re thrilled to see the Province extend temporary patios through Labour Day weekend,” said Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association.

“Patios have become one of the best parts of a B.C. summer, bringing people together, supporting local restaurants, and adding life to our streets and neighbourhoods. We hope municipalities jump on board quickly so everyone can enjoy a few more weeks of great food, good company, and the best of B.C. hospitality.”

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