Saskatchewan Bars Prioritize National Pride Over Revenue with Early Olympic Openings
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Saskatchewan bar owners are preparing to welcome patrons in the pre-dawn hours, not primarily for financial gain but to foster community spirit and celebrate Team Canada. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) has announced it will consider requests from establishments to sell alcohol as early as 5 a.m. during the Games, accommodating the seven-hour time difference with Italy.
Policy Revisited for Olympic Enthusiasm
Revisiting a policy from previous Olympics in distant time zones, SLGA will evaluate applications from bars and restaurants on a case-by-case basis from February 6 to 22. Regular liquor service hours in the province typically run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., but this temporary adjustment aims to support fans eager to watch live events, such as hockey games airing at 5 a.m. Saskatchewan time (noon in Milan).
"It's about Canada pride," emphasized Danny Demchenko, owner of Rabbit Hole Bar and Grill in Saskatoon. "We're going to have breakfasts, and it's about the community and supporting Team Canada and not so much about serving liquor early." Demchenko has requested to open an hour before key men's hockey games: the semifinal on February 20 at 7:30 a.m. and the gold medal final on February 22 at 5 a.m.
Community Focus Over Alcohol Sales
Other Saskatoon venues are joining the early-opening trend. Fred Chudskov, general manager of Sports on Tap, recalls being "quite busy" during the 2010 Olympics under a similar exemption and plans to open early for the gold medal final. Establishments like Birmingham's Vodka and Ale House, Hudsons in Saskatoon, and Canadian Brewhouse locations in Saskatoon and Regina may also extend hours, with announcements expected on social media.
Warren Kaeding, Minister of SLGA, highlighted in a news release: "Saskatchewan loves the Olympics and businesses have an additional option for customers that want to come together and cheer on Team Canada." This sentiment underscores a broader cultural enthusiasm, as businesses can request hour extensions by contacting SLGA's liquor licensing branch, with compliance history factored into approvals.
Historical Context and Local Impact
The move taps into a tradition of Olympic camaraderie in Saskatchewan, where early openings have previously drawn crowds. For instance, during the 2010 Games, bars with special exemptions experienced significant patronage, suggesting a repeat scenario in 2026. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also strengthens community bonds, as residents gather to watch events like freestyle skiing or hockey, cheering on athletes such as Maia Schwinghammer from Saskatchewan's flatlands.
Ultimately, this policy shift reflects a prioritization of national pride and social cohesion over commercial interests, with bar owners across the province ready to host early-morning gatherings that celebrate Canadian athletes on the world stage.
