Toronto councillor pitches 6 a.m. last call

Bloorcourt’s neighbourhood bar does not boast a menu, but serves custom cocktail service. (Ava Dor)

One Toronto councillor says he wants the city to look into the possibility of extending last call to 6 a.m.

In a motion submitted to the Economic and Community Development Committee on Tuesday, Coun. Paul Ainslie pitched the move off the strength of Montreal’s new “nightlife hubs,” where select venues can serve alcohol until sunrise during approved events.

Twenty-one establishments in Montreal were given the green light to extend their hours in March in three distinct hubs across the city. Ainslie said the “Nuits Montréal” program is intended to support the late-night economy, enhance culturally vibrancy, and could potentially be replicated here in Toronto.

“Toronto’s nighttime economy is a vital contributor to economic growth, tourism, and cultural life,” Ainslie, who also serves as the deputy mayor for Scarborough as well as city’s night economy champion, said in the motion. “However, existing frameworks around last call and the concentration of late-night activity can present challenges related to congestion, safety, and neighbourhood impacts.”

The city has previously extended last call for special events both here and abroad, like the FIFA World Cup and the 2026 Winter Olympics, to mixed reception.

The Economic and Community Development Committee referred Ainslie’s motion to city staff for review as part of its ongoing work on temporary liquor licensing and business permits.

In a statement to CTV News, Ainslie said while he would have “preferred” to see an independent review of the proposal, he respects the committee’s decision and looks forward to staff’s assessment.