It’s a rare, rare thing for the Ontario government to consider any kind of liberalization, but especially one involving booze:
Could Ontario be saying good-bye to beer tents? The province’s government announced on Wednesday that it would be asking for public input on a series of possible liquor law changes.
Some of the changes considered would include relaxing the liquor laws at events and festivals, meaning drinkers would no longer be sequestered in beer tents, but could wander with a drink in hand.
It would also allow one-off event permit holders — weddings, parties and fundraisers, for example — to serve booze until 2 a.m., bringing their serving hours into line with bars. Current laws require special occasion permit holders stop serving alcohol at 1 a.m., with the exception of New Year’s Eve, when it’s 2 a.m.
Don’t hold your breath — this is still bluestockinged Ontario — but just the idea that they’re willing to discuss changes is heartening.
Hudak wants buck-a-bottle beer; McGuinty wants people roaming county fairs and the Exhibition midway with a beer in hand. What could be going on here?
Have the pollsters found sudden and dramatic growth in the ditchpig demographic?
Comment by Lickmuffin — February 23, 2011 @ 17:17