By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Even though the Ontario government okayed it this spring, Chatham-Kent won’t be allowing residents to bring their own booze to public events.
The issue, discussed at a recent council meeting, will see the municipality maintain the status quo. Public safety, insurance implications, potential litigation, monitoring alcohol consumption and security were among the concerns raised.
Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew, who pulled an administrative report for discussion, said she’d been contacted by numerous community leaders and constituents on the issue.
“I’ve received a lot of calls from organizers of events concerned about being able to bring your own booze to events in Chatham-Kent,” Crew explained.
In response, Audrey Ansell, C-K’s director of community culture and connections, said administration has explored the matter and consulted with other communities. Staff learned the municipality would have to put a new bylaw in place to allow BYOB, and the issue would have to be administered by staff.
Ansell said other Ontario communities appear to be in the same boat, noting none were “jumping” on the BYOB train.
“So, with all that in mind, at this point in time we do not have the ability to bring your own alcohol to events in Chatham-Kent,” Ansell said, adding that if organizations did allow BYOB at events, they would be responsible for monitoring the situation and ensuring people get home safely.
In addition, Ansell said event organizers stressed that a cash bar is often a “revenue generator” for organizations and those funds go back into supporting the community.
“All told, the event organizers across Chatham-Kent were not particularly looking for this to move forward at this time,” Ansell said.
At the close of the discussion, South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle questioned why administration made the decision as to whether the municipality should align with the province’s recommendation, saying it should have been a council decision.
In response, deputy CAO Dave Taylor, said administration’s recommendation to not move ahead with BYOB could be altered by council if that was the future prerogative of elected officials.
