Southwestern Public Health urges safety precautions for ‘bring your own booze’ events

Southwestern Public Health says that Ontario's new BYOB legislation should be accompanied by enforcement, and public education.

Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is urging its member municipalities to consider safety risks if they allow the public to bring their own alcohol to local events.

This spring, the provincial government passed a law allowing municipalities to issue BYO permits for cultural events.

A report from SWPH wants municipalities to ensure enforcement controls are in place, including comprehensive monitoring, along with signage and public education.

In Elgin County, Warden Dominique Giguère says BYO has not been an issue of concern just yet.

“We’ve had some informal discussions, but we’re not hearing or seeing a lot of requests from the public to have those kind of permits, and enabling sort of a BYOB approach. What we have right now works so well, and seems to be supporting everyone’s interests,” said Giguère.

The report also offers considerations for municipalities in developing criteria for BYO permits, including specific definitions for community and cultural events that would be eligible for BYO.

The health unit also suggests permits should be issued on a case by case basis.