The province’s plans for bring-your-own-booze at festivals in Ontario this summer present a chance for growth in Kitchener, according to the city’s leaders.
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic mentioned that the city has already relaxed some rules about drinking at festivals and has had great results. For instance, during the Christkindl Market, festival attendees last year were allowed to walk around with alcoholic beverages instead of being confined to the Kitchener City Hall ice-pad.
“We don’t have problems with people running rampant with gluhwein through the downtown. It actually creates a better environment, instead of someone guzzling it, being able to walk around and enjoy it while they enjoy many of the cultural and retail opportunities as part of something like Christkindl.”
Vrbanovic believes this could be a good opportunity for the province to enhance local tourism, culture, and economic activity.
Festival organizers can start applying for BYOB permits from April 30. Those permits are optional.
Before that date, municipalities need to create a bylaw allowing alcohol consumption in public spaces and determine which festivals would benefit from that bylaw.
“What is the nature of the event? Who is the typical audience? Is it more family-oriented or is it an older crowd? Those are things we are going to want to consider.”
Vrbanovic highlighted that the city will consult with both council and residents on what makes sense moving forward.
Last week, Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett shared a video on social media criticizing the planned legislation, stating it will come at a high cost to taxpayers and could lead to more safety issues.
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