Concerns Rise Over New BYOB Rules for Festivals

Festival organizers in London have serious concerns about what it means for their businesses and public safety when attendees are allowed to bring their own alcohol to community and cultural events.

This week, the province announced that events, from farmers’ markets to extended music festivals, can apply for a municipal permit permitting attendees to bring their own alcohol starting April 30.

“I think this came as a shock to a lot of people in the industry, including myself,” said Mercedes Caxaj, co-director of Sunfest, an annual summer festival in London, Ont.

In the days following the announcement, Caxaj noted that it has already caused confusion about how this change will actually work.

“There’s not a lot of areas where I can see that people in the industry would want to apply. A lot of festivals, especially free ones, depend on those sales. It is a significant portion of our revenue,” Caxaj said.

BYOB permits still subject to municipal approval

Even though the province has opened up possibilities for BYOB-style events, local municipalities must still approve them. In a statement, the City of London mentioned they are evaluating this change and its implications locally.

Sunfest, an annual festival running for more than 30 years, will take place July 9 to 12, 2026. (Submitted by Sunfest)

“At this time, several City policies and bylaws do not permit individuals to bring and consume their own alcohol at outdoor events on municipal property,” the statement said.

“Any potential changes would require further review to ensure alignment with existing regulations, public safety considerations, and Council direction.”

Public safety

Caxaj pointed out that there are hidden costs associated with serving alcohol at events-like security measures, insurance fees and necessary permits-that aren’t always apparent to attendees.

If patrons are allowed to bring their own alcohol these expenses could rise for festival organizers.

“Someone could go and crush a Mickey of vodka and then who knows, cause issues,” she said. “That’s increased risk that event organizers then have to take into account.”

This sentiment is shared by Emma Maganja, marketing and events manager at London Brewing Co-operative which operates beer gardens at festivals like Sunfest, the Forest City Road Race and London Pride.

<img Emma Maganja,, marketing and events manager at London Brewing Co-operative,, says allowing bring-your-own alcohol at events could raise safety and liability concerns. (Submitted by London Brewing Co-operative )

“I think it’s a little bit short-sighted,” she said.”To me , it sounds like a bit of a liability nightmare.”

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. Maganja explained that when vendors serve alcohol under license guidelines there are safeguards in place: trained staff monitor consumption limits drink sizes, and refuse service if needed.

( – P. “If people are serving themselves , where does the liability lie?” she asked.” That kind goes outthe window.” – )

Uncertainty remains ahead of rollout

Withchanges expectedto roll outthis spring , Maganjasaid clearer communicationwill benecessaryto avoid confusionamong organizers , vendorsand eventattendees.

“We’ll have toget aheadofitandsay ,’Thisisnotthatkindofevent,’” shesaid.”We donothaveproper licensingfor youtobringyourownalcohol.”

Shesaid clearer messagingfromtheprovincewouldhelpsetexpectationsbeforethebusiersummerfestival season.

Asmunicipalitiesandorganizersweighwhetherto adoptthenewpermits, itremainsunclearhowwidelytheywillbeused.

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( Thisweek Doug Fordannouncedchangestoliquorlicencelawsallowingfestivalstopermit attendessbringtheirownalcoholicbeverages. Mercedes Caxajistheco-directorof Sunfestandshetold London Morningallowingattendeestobringtheirowndrinkswouldreducerevenueandraisecosts , soit’sano.

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