Ontario is easing some of its restrictive liquor laws in an attempt to boost tourism and promote special events and festivals.

The province announced several proposed changes to when and where liquor could be served on Wednesday, calling them "outdated restrictions."

Included in the changes will be the need to limit alcohol consumption to beer tents while attending festivals, allowing people to walk freely while holding a drink.

"Special events, special occasions are the focus of some of the outdated rules that have been around forever that affect bars and restaurants," Attorney General Chris Bentley said Wednesday. "We want to get rid of those, and we want to provide additional option for enforcement that will make it more effective."

The province says the proposed changes are intended to simplify the rules surrounding special events, festivals and licensed establishments while improving tourism and helping local economies.

Over the next month the province will consult with people about a number changes, including:

  • Removing the need for beer tents at events and festivals so people can walk freely with an alcoholic beverage.
  • Extending the hours that alcohol can be served at wedding and charity fundraisers from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Allowing all-inclusive vacation packages to be sold in Ontario.
  • Allowing people to circulate in retail booth areas of festivals with an alcoholic beverage.

The government says it will also propose expanding its enforcement options against those that violate liquor licences.

Michael Chan, Ontario's minister of tourism and culture, said the proposed changes will help everyone from festival organizers to spa owners attract new audiences and business.

Tourism is responsible for generating more than $22 billion of income for Ontario's economy every year. Festivals and events create more than 22,000 jobs in the province every year.

The Ontario Association of BIA's John Kiru said small businesses would benefit from the relaxed rules, specifically in areas that host events like Taste of the Danforth, Caribana, Pride Parade and the Elvis Festival in Collingwood, Ont.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Paul Bliss