Township of Tiny Council confirms decision to not permit Bring-Your-Own-Beverage (BYOB) events

(Tiny, Ontario) Following a comprehensive review of the Province of Ontario’s Bring-Your-Own-Beverage initiative, Township of Tiny Council has decided not to permit BYOB events at this time. This decision is consistent with the township’s current approach to events that serve alcohol.

The Province of Ontario’s BYOB to Cultural and Municipal Events initiative introduces amendments to the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019, through Ontario Regulation 747/21 enabling municipalities to permit BYOB at eligible cultural and municipal events, subject to local policies, oversight, and risk management measures. Participation in the initiative is voluntary, allowing municipalities to determine whether it aligns with local policies, operational considerations, and community priorities.

Alcohol consumption at municipal events is regulated through the municipality’s Alcohol and Risk Management Policy, which requires a valid Special Occasion Permit (SOP) and restricts consumption to designated, controlled areas. This framework provides a structured, risk-managed, and enforceable approach. 

In reaching their decision, Council considered several factors, including:

Risk Management and Insurance Advice

The Township of Tiny’s insurance pool advised that “member municipalities do not adopt the expanded BYOB Event Permit framework at this time due to significant, unmitigated risk exposure.”

Public Safety and Enforcement

Every municipal event follows a rigorous planning process that ensures the appropriate staff, enforcement, and resources are in place to maintain public safety. Adding additional risk of BYOB events unnecessarily complicates event planning and increases the need for enforcement and first responder resources such as paramedics and fire services.

Health Considerations

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit provided a brief of the harms and availability of alcohol in Simcoe Muskoka, citing that one in twenty deaths in Simcoe Muskoka are caused by alcohol use. Alcohol related harm represents a significant public health burden, and notes that reducing alcohol-related harm can also help limit pressures on policing, paramedic services, by-law enforcement, parks operations, and municipal risk management. 

In the Township of Tiny, alcohol may only be consumed in licensed establishments, private residences, or at permitted events that have received Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) approval and municipal authorization. Drinking alcohol in parks, streets, beaches, and other public spaces remains prohibited unless a permit is in place.

“We understand that municipalities across the province are taking different approaches as they evaluate this provincial initiative, but it is not something Council will be implementing at this time,” said Mayor David Evans. “The Township will continue to monitor the BYOB initiative and how other municipalities respond and adapt to the provincial legislation. If the concerns are addressed, Council is able to revisit this item and make changes to our current approach in the future.”

The Township of Tiny recognizes that events contribute to the vibrancy of our township and appreciates all community partners that participate in municipal events and those that want to host events in Tiny. As a reminder to organizers that wish to host an event on Township of Tiny property, there is a third-party event application that is available at www.tiny.ca/ThirdPartyEvent. 

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