Windsor councillor defends 6 a.m. Olympic alcohol service amid backlash

A Windsor councillor is defending the decision to allow bars to open and sell alcohol at 6 a.m. for the Olympics. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell reports.

A Windsor city councillor is defending a decision to allow bars and restaurants to serve alcohol as early as 6 a.m. during the Olympic Games, saying the move is about supporting local businesses and bringing people together — while road safety advocates urge residents to plan ahead.

Windsor city council recently designated the Olympics as an event of municipal significance, allowing establishments to apply through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for extended hours tied to early-morning broadcasts.

Coun. Renaldo Agostino said participation is optional and the intent is to give the hospitality sector an added incentive to open its doors.

“No one’s forcing anybody to do anything,” Agostino said in an interview.

“If you don’t want to participate, if you don’t want to go out, that’s your prerogative.”

He said the measure is meant to help draw residents back out following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re trying to get people out of their houses … get out there and enjoy yourself. Live your life,” he said.

The decision, however, has prompted reminders from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Windsor & Essex County, which posted on social media encouraging responsible choices during the Games.

“Any time there’s alcohol involved in any type of gathering, you know, the risk for impaired driving is high,” said community leader Chaouki Hamka.

Hamka said MADD is not discouraging celebration but stressed that drinking and driving — regardless of the hour — carries serious risks.

“Go out, have a great time, celebrate our country, celebrate Canada, celebrate the Olympics, but do it in a responsible manner without putting anyone or yourself in danger by driving home after you’ve been drinking. It’s quite that simple,” he said.

Hamka added he expects law enforcement agencies to be proactive during the early-morning service window.

“I strongly believe that they will have extra resources … conducting RIDE programs and making sure, especially in the downtown core, that people aren’t getting behind the wheel,” he said, noting the approval by council and awareness by Windsor police and the Ontario Provincial Police.

Agostino said he supports MADD’s messaging but cautioned against assuming irresponsible behaviour.

“Be responsible,” he said.

“Let’s stop thinking that the entire world is irresponsible because it’s not.”

At Rock Bottom Bar & Grill, some patrons welcomed the change.

“It’s one of the few times that I can probably get away with having a beer at 6 a.m., so let’s go. Canada,” said Christian Pinard.

Pinard said the Olympic Games present a rare opportunity for national unity.

“We only have this opportunity once every four years,” he said.

“Any opportunity for us to come together as a community and as a nation to celebrate … these are those moments, I think few and far between for us to really show our camaraderie.”

The temporary extension applies during the Olympic Games and allows participating licensed establishments to serve alcohol earlier than usual for designated broadcasts.