Norfolk to take another shot at BYOA rules

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

County councillors weren’t quite ready for last call on a staff recommendation regarding bring-your-own-alcohol rules for outdoor events in the municipality.

Instead, they referred a report in the consent agenda back to staff to provide some more information and allow for a more fulsome discussion at the next council-in-committee meeting in June. Staff were recommending to keep restrictions in place, despite provincial changes that made it possible for municipalities to allow bring-your-own-alcohol permits for outdoor events.

“I think it needs to come back to the council table for a full discussion,” said Coun. Kim Huffman. As of April 30, organizers of certain outdoor cultural or community events could apply for a BYOA permit, “provided the municipality first authorizes alcohol consumption in public spaces and designates eligible events,” the staff report said.

Given a lack of new enforcement powers or risk-mitigation tools that come with the new rules, staff recommended against allowing BYOA permits.

Existing controlled alcohol service environments that come with licenced events help manage consumption and reduce the risk of over-intoxication, the report said.

“The absence of these controls may increase the potential for over-consumption, disorderly behaviour, impaired driving, youth access and related enforcement challenges,” it said. “Increased liability and insurance exposure, higher operational demands on multiple municipal departments, and potential additional pressures on public spaces and neighbourhoods.”

Coun. Alan Duthie said he wanted to get more insight on input and who the county consulted before making a decision.