Changes in alcohol policy for parks results in confusion

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Tillsonburg residents expecting to be popping corks or cracking cans in local parks this summer should think again.

Since the province amended its regulations regarding alcohol consumption in parks, there has been some confusion in regards to where people can imbibe. In some municipalities, Toronto for instance, there are specific parks where park goers can take and consume alcohol. That is not the case in Tillsonburg.

A few things changed with the recent amendments to the province’s alcohol regulations. Those visiting provincial parks can now consume alcohol in picnic areas, beaches and other day-use areas, whereas before it was restricted to individual campsites.

Municipalities set their own regulations for alcohol consumption in parks. Toronto allows alcohol consumption in designated parks, and Tillsonburg does not. What else changed was the ability to designate bring-your-own alcohol events, where a permit would still be needed.

“As of April 30, municipalities have the option to designate outdoor events as community or cultural events that would be eligible for the new Bring-Your-Own Event permit,” explained Julia Facca, Press Secretary for Attorney General Doug Downey. “The Bring-Your-Own Event permit allows event attendees to bring and consume their own liquor at the event.”

The province made the changes to support local tourism and drive economic growth through local festivals and small businesses.

Tillsonburg council recently amended its policies to allow it to designate community or cultural events as being eligible for the new bring-you-own alcohol permit.

The recent update to the Municipal Alcohol Policy provides Council with the ability to designate community or cultural events as eligible for the new bring-your own event permit, and to date there have been no applications requesting such approval.