North Huron approves BYO alcohol policy
North Huron Council approved a policy update that allows event organizers to run designated “bring your own” (BYO) alcohol areas at outdoor public events, provided the organizer applies for the designation and accepts the added controls and liability.
A report presented to council on Apr. 7 by Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) Denise Lockie said the Ontario Government released a statement on Mar. 17, regarding the new Ontario permitting. Lockie said, “This news release stated, ‘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.’”
To comply with the new regulations, the township amended its Municipal Alcohol Policy (By-law No. 45-2025) to enable organizers of approved special events on municipal property to apply for these permits through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Coun. Chris Palmer pointed out that in a bar, bartenders are trained and certified to check ID and control service, and asked how that would work under a BYO setup. “When it’s at a bar situation, the bartender … can check. How would that happen? Who does the checking?”
Lockie explained, “You can’t just put a bottle of wine into your backpack and bring it to an event. The special event organizer must apply for a designated area…and security would check to see if they had their ID.”
Palmer noted that many events sell alcohol to raise money. “A lot of times these events, they’re fundraisers… So selling alcohol, you know, makes some money. So, how does it work if individuals can bring their own? Would there be a sort of a fee stuck on every person that walks in the gate … that they have to pay five bucks then they can bring their own alcohol in?”
Lockie answered that allowing BYO is optional for each event organizer, and it would be their choice whether to charge a fee or even use that permit type at all. Additionally, she said liability and insurance costs can increase if they choose that route. “If you are … getting that tailgate permit … your insurance policy can increase because you’re opening up that situation to bringing your own alcohol.”
The CEC stressed several times that the township is required to update its documentation (special event binder / municipal alcohol policy) to include BYO as an option, but organizers do not have to opt in. Lockie said many local groups have indicated they likely won’t use the BYO permit.
Lockie added, “As a municipality, we were directed to make that change and have that option available … but I’ve been talking to the health unit, I’ve been talking to special event organizers, and a lot of them will not be offering this.”
Council approved the policy update to add a provincial‑mandated option for designated BYO alcohol areas at outdoor events. However, they said organizers must apply for the designation, provide security to check IDs, and accept any increased insurance or liability costs.
