A by-law—one unchanged since the mid-90’s—is going to change policies on alcohol at public events, and private parties such as weddings and a stag and doe.

This was after receiving a complaint regarding events held in 2016.

City Clerk Steph Palmateer says they’ve added definitions on things such as energy drinks, weddings, stag and does, event worker and the different types, licensed security, at the door and others.

“We made clear the expectations of any permit holders in the event (and) worker responsibilities. We made the requirements for security more objective and consistent, and we’ve included enforcement provisions that were lacking in the current policy.”

One of the big changes people will notice has to do with beer tickets. Residents will now be able to purchase an unlimited number of tickets, which beforehand, caused problems with excessive lineups.

On that same note, patrons will also be able to refund up to eight tickets upon request.

Councillor Noella Rinaldo did raise a concern on that point.

“That is how a lot of these service clubs make money,” she said, “You hope people go home with tickets in their pocket.”

Palmateer says this is a way to prevent binge drinking at the end of the night.

“What we don’t want is someone whose already near the limit and they go ‘oh, I have four tickets left, I’m going to get four extra drinks and then they’re trying to slam them all back at 2am.”

The city clerk adds that rule is also part of a province-wide policy.

Just like before, servers will only be able to serve four drinks to someone at a time.

CLICK HERE to see the by-law more in-depth.

You can also view the policy on the city’s website HERE.

Filed under: Local News