The Ontario government’s plan to expand its “Bring-Your-Own” Alcoholic Beverages (BYOB) event permits for designated cultural or community events has certainly caught the attention of many across Simcoe County. “I think it’s a good idea to have your own,” says a downtown Barrie resident. “That way, you get the choice of what you want but I also like supporting local people at their own venues as well, so it’s a catch-22 on that one for me.” According to the province, events like farmers markets, movie screenings and neighbourhood festivals could qualify for a permit. People would be allowed to bring their own alcohol to designated areas at the events. It will be up to municipalities to make sure permits are available. However, many of the specifics are still not clear. “When municipalities put in their conditions, you know safety is going to be at the top of their list,” says Barrie City Councillor Craig Nixon. “Location is going to be right up there.” Barrie has several annual events that could qualify for the new BYOB system. “You know, we really have to evaluate each event as it happens and see if it is applicable for us, if we can incorporate our businesses into our events in terms of economic impact that makes sense,” says Craig Stevens, executive director of the Barrie BIA. “And, you know, we are still waiting to see if this new opportunity of bringing your own beer helps our businesses.” Establishments like Flying Monkeys in downtown Barrie are still trying to understand how the new changes will work and if it will effect them at all. “We have always had a tent up at the Troubadour Festival, we’ve always had a lot of people just coming in just for our retail fridge, just to take cans to go. Where they enjoy that is up to them,” says Mackenzie Emerson, general manager of Flying Monkeys. “So, if they are going to have permits to allow them to enjoy it outside, then go for it. We’ll be here for retail and hopefully we’ll have a tent up for Troubadour as well.” The government plans to have the changes in effect this spring. It also says if municipalities don’t already have by-laws in place for alcohol use in public, they will be required to do so.
