Council said “No Thanks” last week to the province’s bring-your-own alcohol permit stream for public spaces.

To support local tourism and drive economic growth, the Government of Ontario announced in March it was relaxing some of its liquor laws by expanding “bring-your-own” (formerly tailgate) event permits for municipally designated cultural or community outdoor events.

These include farmer’s markets, movie screenings, art exhibits and neighbourhood festivals. The expanded permit allows event attendees to pour their own drinks in designated areas.

But the new rules mean greater risk and more liability. County Clerk Catalina Blumenberg recommended Council decline, noting the shift toward a more permissive framework for BYO alcohol at non-sporting events increases safety and liability concerns , while undermining “Smart Serve” safeguards.

After the province announced the new BYOB option for municipalities, Bylaw Services, Fire & Emergency Services, Community Services Projects and Initiatives (CSPI), Recreation and Community Facilities (RCF), Development Services, and the Clerk’s Office met to consider the Liquor Licence and Control Act amendments.

Staff decided the new rules shift the legal and financial risk onto both event organizers and local governments. Events not originally designed for alcohol service may struggle to manage the associated security, litter, and potential for underage drinking.

Prince Edward OPP Staff Sergeant Mackinnon underscored the public safety, compliance, and enforcement challenges.

“For these reasons, the OPP supports the staff recommendation not to authorize BYO in public spaces,” Ms. Blumenberg noted. 

The County’s current Municipal Alcohol Policy designates a number of facilities and areas within the County where event organizers can sell alcohol at an event under the authority of a Special Occasion Permit, issued by the AGCO. Otherwise, it is not legal to consume alcohol in public places here.