Ontario is loosening alcohol rules for some outdoor events, but don’t expect to bring your own drinks to Barrie festivals or parks just yet.
The provincial government announced on Mar. 17 plans to expand its former tailgate permit framework to allow attendees to bring their own alcohol at certain community and cultural events, beginning Thursday.
The provincial change does not automatically authorize bring-your-own alcohol at local events, but creates a permit option organizers could apply for if an event is designated.
Staff wrote in a memo circulated on Wednesday that the provincial change “does not change the City’s existing authority, by-laws, or event permitting framework.”
"Alcohol consumption in parks and at outdoor event spaces remains prohibited unless properly authorized through an approved City of Barrie Special Events Permit," Lauren Andrew, the City of Barrie's manager of culture, venue and special events summarized in the memo.
For now, the change does not mean attendees can automatically bring alcohol to festivals, events or city parks unless event organizers receive the required approvals. The municipality retains full control over where and when alcohol is permitted at events held on public property.
Alcohol remains prohibited in city parks and public outdoor spaces unless event organizers receive both a municipal special events permit and approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Under the province’s updated framework, two types of new “bring-your-own” permits will be available and require organizers to get a Special Occasion Permit through the AGCO:
First, a “no-sale” bring-your-own permit would authorize the holder to allow attendees of legal drinking age to bring their own liquor for consumption at the event, within the permitted area, but not to sell alcohol on the premises.
Conversely, a “sale” bring-your-own permit would do the same thing in terms of allowing attendees to bring their own booze, but also allow the sale of alcohol by the permit holder.
Eligible events must be held in connection with and in proximity to a professional, semi-professional or post-secondary sporting event, or otherwise be designated by a municipal council or delegate.
However, provincial rules do not require municipalities to establish a separate process for designating events.
City staff say the provincial change adds a new permit option rather than replacing the existing approval process. It would be up to the City whether to designate an event as a qualifying cultural or community event, with proof of that designation required as part of the AGCO application.
