Ontario expanding bring-your-own-booze rules to include festivals | Globalnews.ca

The Ford government says it plans to expand tailgate permits to let people bring and drink their own alcohol at certain events, including some movie screenings and farmers’ markets. The province announced the move on Tuesday afternoon, suggesting it would drive local tourism and economic growth by boosting attendance at some festivals or other municipal events.Premier Doug Ford told reporters he saw it as a policy to help attract more people to outdoor events. Get daily National news Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories. Sign up for daily National newsletter Get Started By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. “We’re talking about general venues, cultural venues outside, they should be able to have a glass of wine or a beer,” he said.“That’s not the first time this has happened. It’s happened before that certain special occasions we allow people to drink at a festival or in a park, and do it responsibly.” Story continues below advertisement Before the changes, only people organizing sporting tailgates could request a permit to let people bring their own alcohol. The government said the changes could extend to events like art exhibitions and neighbourhood festivals. More on Canada More videos ‘Rot in jail’: Ford criticizes child killer being granted unescorted absences Disability advocates, NDP call on province to boost accessibility standards in Alberta Hundreds of groups urge Quebec government to scrap controversial constitution World Anti-Doping Agency agrees to limit athlete data use, watchdog says US-Iran war: Trump demands other countries help protect Strait of Hormuz Deportation hearing begins for alleged Iranian regime official Canada to boost oil production by 140K barrels per day Oscars 2026: Canadian filmmakers win big at Academy Awards Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the move would “empower local communities.”Municipalities will have to pass bylaws allowing people to drink in public if they don’t already allow it and establish a process for events that qualify under the new rules.Beginning in September, people will be able to apply for permits through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.— With a file from The Canadian Press