Business Licences
Liquor Sales Licence - Temporary Extension of Hours During 2026 Junos
Contact Us
Sarah Hill
Senior Project Manager
Tourism and Culture
Email: [email protected]
The City of Hamilton will host the 55th annual JUNO Awards March 26 to 29, 2026. This prestigious event returns after 11 years, offering an exciting opportunity to showcase our city and welcome artists, industry professionals, and visitors from across Canada.
To help create a vibrant nighttime experience for our guests, liquor-licensed establishments in the downtown area have the option to apply to the City for a temporary extension to serving hours.
Important: The application process is detailed and time-sensitive. If interested in this opportunity, you are encouraged to begin your submission as soon as possible.
Event Dates
- Thursday, March 26, 2026
- Friday, March 27, 2026
- Saturday, March 28, 2026
- Sunday, March 29, 2026 (awards broadcast)
Restrictions
- Applies to alcohol sales for consumption on premise only (excludes takeout or delivery orders).
How to apply for a temporary extension
Applicants must:
- Be an official JUNO partner venue or accommodation provider; OR
- Be located within the boundaries of the Downtown Secondary Plan or one of the following BIAs: Barton Village, Downtown, Hess Village, International Village, Locke Street, Ottawa Street; OR
- Demonstrate a direct connection to the JUNOs.
Additionally:
- Hold a valid liquor license in Hamilton; AND
- Be in good standing with the City.
Complete the JUNO Awards Application Form
- Submit completed form in-person to the Hamilton Business Centre or by email to [email protected] for consideration by the deadline January 15, 2026 (inclusive).
- Applications will be reviewed by the City and circulated to all commenting City departments (Police, Fire, Public Health, Buildings) as part of the standard alcohol license notification/review process. Licensed establishments must keep a copy of their JUNO Awards Application form for their records and as proof of notification.
- If there are no objections, applicants will receive a municipally significant designation letter no later than February 26, 2026.
- Once you have received the letter, complete an application to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Please visit www.agco.ca for more details.
- AGCO will approve or deny the request and inform applicants of its decision. The City of Hamilton is only the commenting party for licence applications. We DO NOT issue or revoke liquor licences. Important: Extensions will not be approved by the AGCO without Municipal consent.
The City of Hamilton has waived the normal application processing fee for this specific event.
Fees payable to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario are the responsibility of the applicant.
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