Feedback from local business groups and the police chief helped guide council away from the provincial BYOB event framework
Smiths Falls will not move forward with a municipal framework allowing attendees to bring their own alcohol to certain outdoor public events, at least for now.
Speaking on behalf of Clerk Kerry Costello during the June 8 committee of the whole meeting, Director of Community Services Stephanie Clark outlined recent provincial changes under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 that permit municipalities to opt into a system allowing organizers to apply for bring-your-own alcohol permits through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Clark emphasized that adopting such a framework would not automatically make all community events BYOB (bring your own booze). Organizers would still be required to obtain municipal approval before seeking provincial authorization.
Under the provincial framework, municipalities must first pass a bylaw permitting alcohol consumption in public spaces and establish a local process to determine which cultural or community events qualify for designation.
However, staff recommended against pursuing the option at this time.
Clark said implementation would create additional administrative responsibilities, require ongoing oversight and coordination, and introduce increased complexity related to public safety, alcohol management and municipal liability.
The report notes that Smiths Falls currently does not have dedicated enforcement staff for alcohol compliance and is operating at or near capacity with existing service levels. Implementing BYOB events could require additional staff oversight, monitoring of permit conditions, on-site presence during events and increased coordination with enforcement agencies.
The town’s existing alcohol management policy is based on controlled service environments involving trained servers and clearly defined accountability structures. Staff concluded that a BYOB model would reduce many of those safeguards and require the development of new policies, procedures and enforcement mechanisms.
Coun. Jay Brennan supported the recommendation.
“I agree with the staff recommendation,” Brennan said. “I think, for organizations who want to have licensed events, it’s to their benefit to get a licence and do it, and they can make money. But I don’t think it’s a good idea to have BYOB in the parks.”
The report also included feedback from community organizations and local partners. The Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association said it supported the province’s decision to introduce the option but would not use the model for its own events, noting that its current approach is designed to drive visitors into local restaurants and licensed establishments. The Smiths Falls and District Chamber of Commerce expressed support for the municipality opting into the framework, saying it could reduce costs for organizers and increase accessibility for community events.
Smiths Falls Police Chief Jodi Empey questioned if the town does not pass a bylaw and members go ahead regardless of BYOB, then it would be difficult for enforcement based on the province’s regulatory change on this. Bylaw would also need to be included in this conversation.
For the police it is all about public safety, Empey stated. “Alcohol consumption, especially unregulated, does have its problems. Whatever is decided, the police will step in if someone is out of control and deal with the enforcement.”
Clark noted that the town’s existing alcohol management policy, adopted in 2012, had been included in the agenda package as background information. Staff had been waiting for council’s direction on the BYOB proposal before finalizing an updated policy.
A revised alcohol management policy is expected to return to council June 15. Clark said the new version will proceed without BYOB provisions.
Council supported the recommendation directing staff not to proceed with the development of a municipal bylaw or policy permitting bring-your-own alcohol events at this time.
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