To help support local tourism and drive economic growth, the Ontario government is expanding “bring-your-own” event permits for municipally designated cultural or community outdoor public events, including farmer’s markets, movie screenings, art exhibits and neighbourhood festivals.
The expanded permit will allow people who attend these events to bring their own alcohol for consumption in designated areas, said a provincial statement yesterday.
“Starting this spring, Ontario is giving communities more flexibility to safely and responsibly enjoy cultural and outdoor events,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “The ‘bring-your-own’ event permits will help save attendees money, lower overhead costs for event organizers and contribute to local economies.”
Municipalities will be required to pass a bylaw authorizing the use of alcohol in public, if they do not already have one in place, and establish a local process that would determine whether an event qualifies as community or cultural. Starting April 30, event organizers in participating municipalities will be able to apply for bring-your-own permits through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming also stated that “Allowing safe and responsible alcohol consumption at outdoor public events helps support local festivals, small businesses and tourism, while giving people more opportunities to come together. By modernizing outdated rules and keeping public safety front and centre, our government is protecting Ontario’s hospitality and tourism sectors, and giving communities the flexibility they need to host high-quality events that residents and visitors can enjoy.”
The “bring-your-own” permit change will be enabled by an amendment to a regulation under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, giving community and cultural organizations greater flexibility ahead of the spring and summer event season.
Quick Facts
- Previously, only organizers of live sporting events were able to obtain this type of permit.
- Only individuals 19 years of age and older will be allowed to bring alcohol to events holding a “bring-your-own” event permit.
- The province will continue working closely with the AGCO to uphold existing rigorous standards for licensing, regulation and social responsibility, ensuring events are safe and reflect community priorities.
- The bring-your-own initiative builds on the recent amendment to the Liquor Licence and Control Act to allow alcohol sale and consumption on pedal pubs.
- In 2024, Ontario’s tourism industry supported more than 300,000 jobs and nearly 104,000 tourism-related businesses. That same year, the sector contributed $34 billion to Ontario’s GDP.