Like a designated driver at last call, Norfolk County councillors have turned down more alcohol.
The rural county will not allow organizers of community and cultural events to apply for a permit to let guests bring in their own booze.
In a letter to municipalities explaining the update to the province’s policy on tailgate parties, assistant deputy attorney general Tom McKinlay said the change was meant “to provide greater flexibility for some event organizers, potentially reducing costs and increasing attendance.”
But McKinlay said the province “recognizes that this permit may not be relevant to all,” namely events that rely on drink sales as a main source of revenue.
Norfolk council weighed the pros of attracting tourists and making events more affordable with the cons of putting the municipality at greater legal risk should uncontrolled access to alcohol lead to rowdy behaviour, underage drinking and impaired driving.
A survey found local event organizers were generally against the idea.
Norfolk is not alone in rejecting the bring-your-own alcohol concept. Of the 20 municipalities to have publicly debated the province’s proposal, only Barrie has signed on, council heard.
While bemoaning the “overregulation” of public alcohol consumption, Coun. Chris Van Paassen said the BYOA scheme proposed by the province is unworkable because it puts the onus for enforcement onto municipalities without giving bylaw officers any added authority.
“The idea is right but the implementation is wrong,” Van Paassen said. “I still haven’t figured out how it’s possibly going to be enforced.”
Coun. Tom Masschaele noted the “contradiction” of the province creating a system that encourages residents to drink more at the same time Ontario’s medical officer of health has warned of the “major health risks of alcohol consumption.”
By J.P. Antonacci, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jun 14, 2026 at 14:32
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