Any cautions expressed over the provincial relaxation of alcohol rules for festivals were apparently not misplaced. Issues are already cropping up early in the season.
During the beer war week earlier this spring Premier Dalton McGuinty proposed relaxed rules for festivals in Ontario, making it easier for patrons to wander the grounds with a drink.
That posturing was right around the time Conservative leader Tim Hudak sought $1 suds – like the good old days. We marvelled at the time that such subjects were even under discussion, considering the plethora of other issues needing attention.
According to discussions at recent council meetings in Erin and Mapleton, the prospect of more liberal attitudes about imbibing at events is still a concern.
The discussion in Erin ended with town staff being asked to prepare a report on the matter. Insurance implications will likely form part of any further discussion papers.
Regulations are still in a state of flux, probably because the nuances of a significant policy change take a while to catch up to the reality of such proposals. Mapleton council has learned that municipalities are not being forced to agree to the new rules set by the province.
We do not believe members of Erin council are being prudish in this instance – just cautious and wise.
