New York Lifts Morning Alcohol Ban for Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Game

Bars and restaurants can open early so fans can watch the U.S. take on Canada.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 1:52am

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Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the State Liquor Authority to suspend enforcement of alcohol service hours on Sunday morning, allowing bars and restaurants across New York to open early so fans can gather and watch the Olympic gold medal hockey game between the United States and Canada, which is scheduled to start at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Why it matters

The 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey game between the U.S. and Soviet Union is considered one of the greatest sports moments in American history. Hochul hopes this year's gold medal matchup between the U.S. and Canada can create a similar sense of national unity and pride for a new generation of New Yorkers.

The details

Hochul announced the temporary change to alcohol service hours on Saturday evening, stating that it will apply everywhere in New York except for areas under a State of Emergency due to an anticipated blizzard. The governor's top priority remains keeping people safe and off the roads in communities impacted by the winter storm.

  • The Olympic gold medal hockey game is scheduled to start at 8:10 a.m. ET on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Hochul announced the change to alcohol service hours on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who directed the State Liquor Authority to suspend enforcement of alcohol service hours on Sunday morning so fans can gather to watch the Olympic hockey gold medal game.

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What they’re saying

“I have directed the State Liquor Authority to suspend enforcement with respect to alcohol service hours tomorrow between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor

“I still remember watching the 1980 game as a college student at Syracuse University, working in a pizza shop. The whole place stopped and watched together. I hope a new generation of New Yorkers gets that same moment tomorrow.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor

What’s next

The gold medal hockey game between the United States and Canada is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 23, 2026 at 8:10 a.m. ET.

The takeaway

This decision by Governor Hochul to temporarily lift the morning alcohol ban demonstrates the cultural significance of major international sporting events, particularly hockey, for many New Yorkers. It reflects a desire to foster a sense of community and national pride, even during the early hours of the day.