'Disappointing news': FIFA forces cancellation of Metro Vancouver World Cup street party

FIFA World Cup fever has taken over Metro Vancouver, but for a popular Port Coquitlam brewery, there won’t be any celebrating in the streets.

Patina Brewing, located at 2332 Marpole Ave. in downtown PoCo, shared “disappointing news” to its fans on social media on Wednesday, June 17, just one day before Canada takes on Qatar Thursday afternoon at BC Place.

“Patina was prepared to invest significant time, money, and effort into hosting a street party in downtown Port Coquitlam,” the brewery shared in its post. “Our goal was simple: bring the community together, celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event, and create a fun, family-friendly gathering for local residents.

“Unfortunately, FIFA has denied our application.”

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According to Patina, the reason for the denial is due to its operating in the same industry category as one of FIFA’s global sponsors.

“As a result, FIFA has advised that we cannot host or promote a public viewing event associated with the World Cup,” the award-winning brewery added.

“It is disappointing that a small, locally owned brewery and restaurant in Port Coquitlam is considered a conflict because of sponsorship agreements designed to protect the interests of a multinational beer company that generated approximately US$59 billion in annual revenue last year.”

 

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Patina Brewing has built a loyal following since opening in 2020, known for its welcoming tasting room and small-batch beer offerings.

Last year, the brewery teamed up with TransLink for the “Platform Pilsner”— a limited-edition, transit-themed craft beer sold at its location as well as at select liquor stores across Metro Vancouver.

Supporters of Patina Brewing shared their frustration online about FIFA’s denial of the street party plans.

“The fact that you have to ask permission at all is frightening,” wrote one person. “Why does FIFA have to be the anchoring theme for the community to get together? Let’s have a Cheers Poco block party.”

“What if a bunch of people came and sat in the street and watched it on their phones and happened to have Patina beer in their hands,” asked another.

Patina added that while it won’t be able to host the street party that it had hoped, it will still be showing matches inside the brewery during regular business hours.

“Thank you to everyone who supported the idea and to the City of Port Coquitlam staff and our sponsors who worked with us as we explored the opportunity,” said the brewery.

“Patina has always believed that great beer, great food, and great people build strong communities. That won’t change. We’ll keep finding ways to bring people together.”

According to a recent report, nearly two-thirds of B.C. businesses say they don’t expect a revenue impact from the FIFA World Cup. Further, 44 per cent said they won’t benefit from the games at all, and 25 per cent predicted that their location won’t see increased foot traffic.

“The World Cup is a major economic moment, but it will not benefit every small business equally,” said David Gens, founder and CEO of Merchant Growth, in a release.

For one downtown Vancouver business, the event will lead to a big loss in revenue.

Aquariums West, a shop that offers freshwater fish, aquatic plants, saltwater reef aquariums and captive-raised reptiles, announced that it has made the “difficult decision” to be closed for all World Cup game days at BC Place.

The reason for the closures is due to Aquariums West’s location at 796 Beatty St., at the corner of Robson Street.

Even Vancouver buskers are being impacted by the FIFA World Cup.

“Many musicians take two to three gigs in a day and have to travel across the city with gear, and with FIFA, it will be exponentially harder to get around,” said local musician Teresa Marie.

“We have such a beautiful and diverse music scene here in Vancouver, and although we will always persevere, it is disappointing that the city is increasing its policing and permits around the arts during FIFA.”