Ontario happy hour laws

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Happy hour is legal, and since 2019 bars can advertise it. No drink can be priced below the minimum, taxes included: $2.00 for a standard serving of beer, cider, cooler or wine, and $1.34 for an ounce of spirits.

Last checked · Oct 19, 2026

The rules

  1. A serving may not cost less than $2.00 including taxes, or $1.34 for one ounce of spirits, with other sizes scaled in proportion.

    O. Reg. 746/21, s. 26

  2. Licensees may not encourage patrons to drink immoderately.

    O. Reg. 746/21, s. 24

  3. Bars may use the term "Happy Hour" in advertising, as long as it does not promote immoderate drinking.

    AGCO Info Bulletin No. 56 (May 6, 2019)

Happy hour in Ontario

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