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Monday, December 15, 2008

Ontario Happy Hours

Back in December of 1981, before I was even a glimmer in my father's eye, the Ontario government passed legislation that permitted pubs, bars, and restaurants to sell their booze at cheaper than normal prices during a set number of hours. This became, or was known as Happy Hours.

For the next three years, citizens of Ontario could walk into their local after work and enjoy a half pint at a discounted price or some free food to compliment their beverage. From all accounts this pleased the everyday drinker and helped boost fledging sales at watering holes in towns and villages all over the province. It also got people out of the house, socializing with friends and strangers alike and created a rich pub scene.

However, when things appear to be good and well and people are happy, the government then (as it probably would now) stepped in after various 'anti' drinking groups funded research that casted negative views on the whole Happy Hour experiment.

It was December 12, 1984 that Happy Hours were abolished and soon prices started creeping back up. Here's to wishing it were back in force!

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