TORONTO – The Ontario government led by Doug Ford will soon allow provincial residents to bring their own alcoholic beverages to outdoor public events, as 680 NewsRadio / CityNews has exclusively reported. And there’s already a date: April 30. From that day on, Ontarians will be able to bring their own alcohol to municipally designated cultural or community events, including farmers’ markets, film screenings, art exhibits, and neighborhood festivals. Currently, only organizers of live sporting events can obtain this type of so-called “tailgate” permit. 

The provincial government presents this change as a measure that will support local tourism and stimulate economic growth. “The ‘bring-your-own’ event permits will help save attendees money, lower overhead costs for event organizers and contribute to local economies,” said Attorney General Doug Downey.

To facilitate this, municipalities will need to pass a bylaw authorizing the public consumption of alcohol if they do not already have one. Event organizers will then have to apply for “bring-your-own” permits through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), and participants will be allowed to bring their own drinks.

In recent years, the Ford government has gradually liberalized alcohol sales and the rules governing its service. Historically, most alcoholic beverages could only be purchased at Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) outlets or specialty stores like The Beer Store. However, for about a year now, all licensed grocery stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets have been allowed to sell beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink beverages if they have the proper license, greatly expanding the number of retail outlets available across the province. These retail sales must still follow strict time limits (typically from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and social responsibility rules: for example, staff must check ages and cannot sell to anyone who is visibly intoxicated. Stronger distilled spirits, such as vodka, whisky, and gin, continue to be primarily sold through LCBO outlets and a few authorized retailers.