Chatham-Kent administration says it is not recommending the municipality move forward with bring-your-own alcohol permits for outdoor public events at this time.
In an information report going to council Monday, Audrey Ansell, director of community culture and connections, said the recommendation follows consultations with local event organizers, municipal departments and municipalities across Ontario.
The report follows a provincial announcement on March 17 introducing new regulations allowing “bring-your-own” alcoholic beverages at municipally designated cultural or community outdoor public events beginning April 30.
Under the legislation, municipalities must pass a bylaw and define what qualifies as a community or cultural event before organizers can apply for permits through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
“While municipalities are now allowed to permit BYO events under the revised provincial regulation, they are not required to do so,” the report stated.
According to the municipality, 17 local event organizers provided feedback on the proposal, with 15 indicating they would not consider using a bring-your-own permit.
Survey respondents raised concerns including increased risk, higher insurance costs, added security requirements and the potential loss of fundraising revenue generated through alcohol sales.
“Many noted that they rely on bar sales as a revenue source or fundraiser to support various community groups/activities and so would not be interested in obtaining a BYO permit,” the report stated.
Administration also consulted an internal inter-departmental team involving representatives from building services, fire and emergency services, police, legal services, parks and recreation, public health and tourism services.
The report said concerns included reduced oversight of alcohol consumption, increased liability for organizers and public safety issues related to impaired driving.
“Consumption is more difficult to monitor without Smart Serve-certified staff overseeing service,” the report stated. “Reduced oversight increases the potential for over-consumption, creating safety risks and possible disruptions at community-focused events.”
The municipality said many Ontario communities are taking a “wait and see” approach to the legislation, while some municipalities, including Norfolk County, Niagara Falls and the Town of Newmarket, are recommending against adopting a bring-your-own bylaw. The Town of Collingwood has already decided not to proceed with a bring-your-own program.
Ansell’s report said Chatham-Kent’s special events team will continue monitoring provincial legislation changes and best practices in other municipalities.
The municipality noted that events with alcohol are still permitted under Chatham-Kent’s existing Municipal Alcohol Policy.
