DRYDEN – The city has voted against allowing people to bring their own alcohol to community and cultural events, as has both Fort Frances and Kenora.
Earlier this year, the Ontario government made it possible for each municipality to decide if they would pass a by-law to allow individuals to essentially BYOB (bring your own booze) to outdoor public events.
Shortly after, the Kiiwetinoong Healing Waters Ontario Health Team wrote to regional municipal leaders presenting the risks associated with the passing of the by-law, and identified alcohol use as a key issue in the region.
At the council meeting on June 8, a report from clerk Allyson Euler was presented to council that brought up concerns including the question of liability and the potential burden placed on emergency services.
Further, the report read that if passed, it “sends a message to our youth that alcohol consumption is normal and part of having fun at events, festivals and sports games.”
And, it continues, “the permits contradict the provincial government’s own public health messaging aimed at reducing youth exposure to alcohol.”
According to Mayor Jack Harrison, “it could be detrimental due to some of the family aspects of our community celebrations.”
Coun. Michelle Price added that “as fun as tailgate parties are if you’ve ever been to one, they do get out of control.
“I don’t think that that’s something we want to do here for every reason posted in that memo,” she continued.
Also expressing concerns about liability was Coun. Ritch Noel, who said that “if we have this BYOB we lose all our control, and it could turn into a real mess, so I hope we don’t accept this.”
Council voted unanimously against allowing bring-your-own alcohol at events at the council meeting on June 22.
