A pair of Prince George establishments are showing interest in extending their operating hours when Canada takes to the pitch during the FIFA World Cup later this month.
Earlier this week, the province announced bars and pubs across BC will be able to open early on a temporary basis as Canada competes in the early morning hours twice during the round robin.
Canadian Brewhouse Northern Regional Manager, JP Garcia told MyPGNow.com that while they won’t be able to sell any liquor, the opportunity is too good to pass up.
“This is something that we are very excited to do as it’s been a long time since Canada has been in the World Cup. We are not going to miss out on the opportunity to allow fans to come out and support the Canadian soccer team. We are definitely going to be doing it.”
Liquor primary establishments will be required to close their doors to patrons for one hour after the end of liquor service. This means patrons will not be allowed to enter the establishment until this hour has passed.
This is the only concern Garcia has as it might dissuade people from coming out to their favourite bar earlier than usual.
“If you are liquor primary, you have to kick people out for one hour before they are allowed back in prior to opening – if you do open up early for the games. I’m worried people may not come down to watch the game, leave and then come back. We are also not allowed to sell any liquor. I know if I was waking up early to watch a soccer game maybe I would want a beer and some people might just want a Bailey’s and coffee.”
Nathan Coole is the owner of the Westwood Pub – he said a final decision to open early hasn’t been made yet, but the added revenue would be a big help.
“After the last two years, we are trying to get every ounce that we can as far as business. For them to extend the hours is great – the serving hours are still going to be the same but people will still be able to come in (to bars or pubs opening early), order breakfast, or whatever they want.”
“Every little bit helps, we are certainly going to be looking at it.”
Coole’s main concern is getting the appropriate number of staff to make this work.
“I think the ones we would try and start with would be the Canada games. I don’t think we would go for the super-early ones depending on what team is playing but trying to find staff to work at 5 am might be a bit of a challenge.”
Canada’s first round-robin game is on November 23rd when they take on Belgium. Kickoff is at 11 am Pacific.
The Canadians remaining two games are against Croatia on the 27th (8 am) and Morrocco on December 1st (7 am).
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