(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Province supporting local festivals, small businesses and tourism
To help support local tourism and drive economic growth, the Ontario government is expanding “bring-your-own” (formerly tailgate) event permits for municipally designated cultural or community outdoor public events, including farmer’s markets, movie screenings, art exhibits and neighbourhood festivals. The expanded permit will allow people who attend these events to bring their own alcohol for consumption in designated areas.
“Starting this spring, Ontario is giving communities more flexibility to safely and responsibly enjoy cultural and outdoor events,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “The ‘bring-your-own’ event permits will help save attendees money, lower overhead costs for event organizers and contribute to local economies.”
Municipalities will be required to pass a bylaw authorizing the use of alcohol in public, if they do not already have one in place, and establish a local process that would determine whether an event qualifies as community or cultural. Starting April 30, 2026, event organizers in participating municipalities will be able to apply for bring-your-own permits through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
“Our government is always working to find new ways to empower local communities, boost economic activity and increase tourism,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By giving Ontario municipalities the choice to make use of this new initiative, our government is directly contributing to their economic well-being while ensuring adults can continue to safely and responsibly enjoy their favourite products.”
The “bring-your-own” permit change will be enabled by an amendment to a regulation under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, giving community and cultural organizations greater flexibility ahead of the spring and summer event season.
Quick Facts
- Previously, only organizers of live sporting events were able to obtain this type of permit.
- Only individuals 19 years of age and older will be allowed to bring alcohol to events holding a “bring-your-own” event permit.
- The province will continue working closely with the AGCO to uphold existing rigorous standards for licensing, regulation and social responsibility, ensuring events are safe and reflect community priorities.
- The bring-your-own initiative builds on the recent amendment to the Liquor Licence and Control Act to allow alcohol sale and consumption on pedal pubs.
- In 2024, Ontario’s tourism industry supported more than 300,000 jobs and nearly 104,000 tourism-related businesses. That same year, the sector contributed $34 billion to Ontario’s GDP.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
