TORONTO — The McGuinty government is planning to introduce legislative, regulatory and policy changes that will enhance the Liquor Licence Act (LLA) to help increase consumer choice and to protect bar patrons from dangers such as the so-called date rape drugs.

“The reforms I am proposing today to Ontario’s Liquor Licence Act, if passed, will enhance public safety, improve service delivery and increase consumer choice,” said Minister of Government Services, Gerry Phillips.  “This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure our liquor laws are updated and continue to reflect current realities and provide sufficient protections for consumers.”

The proposed legislation is a balanced package of reforms designed to enhance public safety, while also continuing to support the hospitality and tourism industries.  One proposed change would allow patrons to take their drink to a hallway or washroom.  This allows the consumer choice in monitoring their drink at all times reducing the likelihood an unknown substance, such as date rape drugs, could be added to it without their knowledge.

“What we heard from law enforcement and the bar industry is that the rules needed to be changed to protect women from exposure to date rape drugs,” said Phillips.  “These changes are good for the consumer and good for the service industry.”

“Date rape drugs are a concern for young women on college and university campuses across Ontario,” said Nora Loreto, Vice President of Education in the Ryerson University Students’ Union.  “We support the government’s proposed changes that would give people the choice of never having to leave their drink unattended.”

Other proposed reforms are designed to deter illegal activity by increasing powers for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) investigators to better examine situations where applicants or licensees may be acting on behalf of others, such as business associates, family or friends, who are ineligible for a liquor licence.  The proposed amendments would permit the AGCO to refuse or revoke a liquor licence should the applicant or licensee be unable to demonstrate that they are the true operator of an establishment.
 
“The proposed changes will help the AGCO regulate licensed establishments in a manner that will be a further barrier against illegal activity and continue to enhance public safety,” said Minister of Community Safety & Correctional Services Monte Kwinter.
 
The proposed amendments also include targeting AGCO resources toward the licensing, monitoring and investigating of high-risk establishments in order to ease administrative burdens for lower-risk operators.

“We are pleased with the announcement being made by the government today,” said Superintendent Damian J. Parrent, Chair of the Alcohol & Gaming Committee Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP).  “The changes being brought forward as amendments to the Liquor Licence Act and its regulations are the culmination of pro-active consultation by this government with police leaders throughout the Province of Ontario for the safety of communities at large.  The OACP remains committed to working with and through the government to ensure that the concerns of policing in Ontario are brought to the forefront.”

Introducing reforms to the LLA is one way the McGuinty government is working to protect Ontario families and bolster public safety.  Other recent initiatives include:

• The Consumer Protection Act, offering comprehensive consumer protection that provides consumers with more rights and business with more responsibilities.
• Proposed legislation that, if passed will ensure retail gift cards and certificates retain their full value
• Proposed legislation that, if passed, will enhance existing protection for Ontario homeowners from real estate fraud

Backgrounder: Liquor Licence Act reforms

Contacts:

Paul de Zara
Minister’s Office
416-327-3072 - office
647-388-9671 - cell 

Ciaran Ganley
Ministry of Government Services
416-325-8659