The Town of Smiths Falls will not be moving ahead with allowing “Bring Your Own Alcohol” at outdoor public events. Council accepted a staff recommendation to opt out of the new provincial framework introduced under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019.
The province’s change would have allowed event organizers to apply for permits letting attendees bring and consume their own alcohol at designated community and cultural gatherings.
Councillor Jay Brennan offered his thoughts.
Staff cited concerns about public safety, increased municipal liability, and a lack of staffing capacity to properly oversee and enforce alcohol-related requirements at outdoor events.
Story by Grant Deme
