Cheers! Province considering changing liquor laws
Posted February 23, 2011 9:56 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Proposed liquor laws could spell an end to beer tents in Ontario – but not the end of outdoor imbibing.
The Ontario Liberals say they’re going to start consultations on a number of changes to liquor laws, including extending the hours that booze can be served at special events, such as weddings and charity fundraisers. The deadline would be pushed from 1am to 2am.
Also on the table: allowing festival-goers to walk around with a drink in hand – an idea that seemed to sit just fine with Premier Dalton McGuinty.
“It’s good for tourism,” said McGuinty. “I think practically speaking it’s good to be able to move around with a beer from one part of a festival to another part of a festival, not to be penned in.”
Ontario Attorney General, Chris Bentley, believes citizens will be mature enough to handle the proposed changes.
“You know it’s the kind of freedom people are able to enjoy if they go to other provinces, states, or countries. It’s the type of freedom I think people are ready for in the province of Ontario.”
This is the second time our liquor laws have been in the news in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak said he would consider reinstating buck-a-beer pricing on a case of 24 if he wins the upcoming October 6 election.
