Safety concerns and liability are among the main reasons Chatham-Kent is holding off on permitting “Bring Your-Own” (BYO) alcohol at local events.
Earlier this month, the municipality decided against adopting new provincial rules that would allow individuals to bring their own alcohol to public events and will present their reasoning to council at tonight’s meeting.
Staff will share with councillors the results of a March 25 survey sent to local event organizers to gauge interest in BYO permits. Of the 17 responses received, 15 organizers said they would not consider using a BYO permit.
Event organizers cited increased risk, higher insurance costs, and additional security needs as their main concerns. A potential decrease in bar revenue was also identified as a factor, as many organizers rely on alcohol sales as a source of revenue or fundraising.
Municipal staff involved in special event permitting also used feedback from Chatham-Kent Police Services, Legal Services, Public Health, Tourism Services, and EMS when making their recommendation.
Staff agreed BYO events could lead to higher insurance costs, increased security requirements, reduced event revenue, potential overconsumption risks, and concerns related to limited public transportation options.
The report states municipal event staff will continue to “monitor best practices where BYO permits are eligible” and any “provincial legislation changes as it applies to local special event opportunities for future consideration.”
