Orangeville will maintain current approach to alcohol at public events

Supporting safe, vibrant events and local businesses

The Town of Orangeville is continuing its current approach to alcohol service at outdoor public events, with a focus on supporting local businesses, ensuring community safety and maintaining a positive event experience for residents, businesses, visitors and event organizers.

Following the Province’s announcement of a new bring-your-own-beverage (BYOB) framework, the Town has confirmed it will not be adopting the new option at this time. Existing bylaws, policies and Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) requirements remain in effect.

“BYOB? In Orangeville we prefer: LYOB. Leave Your Own Beverage at home,” says Mayor Lisa Post. “Whether it’s cold drinks at a beer tent, local wine or mocktails on a patio or coffee from your favourite café—events in Orangeville are possible because you show up and buy local. Your support flows directly to our community. So, bring your crew, and your appetite, but LYOB at home.”

When attending a festival or event, consider stopping in at a local establishment or purchasing a drink right at the event. Choosing to dine and drink locally is one of the best ways to support the people, businesses and organizations that host and participate in events in Orangeville. They help create the vibrant atmosphere residents and visitors enjoy and are a big part of what brings our community events to life.

What this means for residents, businesses and visitors

Since Orangeville is not participating in the BYOB framework, there are no changes to how events and public spaces operate in town.

• Residents and visitors are not permitted to bring alcohol to outdoor public events, parks or other Town public spaces unless alcohol service or consumption has been specifically authorized.
• Businesses, community groups and event organizers are not permitted to advertise events as “BYOB” at Orangeville public spaces.
• Any event involving alcohol must continue to follow the Town’s existing event approval processes and all applicable municipal and provincial requirements.

“Our events are about bringing people together in a safe, welcoming way while celebrating everything that makes Orangeville unique,” says Joe Andrews, chair, Economic Development and Culture Committee “By maintaining our current approach, we’re supporting local businesses and community organizations while ensuring a positive experience for residents and visitors alike.”

Alcohol is not permitted at the following events unless purchased and consumed within licensed areas at the event

• Orangeville Farmers’ Market,
• Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival,
• Celebrate Your Awesome,
• Barry Burman Summer Shootout Lacrosse Tournament,
• Orangeville Rotary Ribfest, and more.

Event organizers

Event organizers planning to include alcohol service should continue to follow the Town’s existing approval process. All required permits and permissions must be in place before promoting or operating an event.

Alcohol sales remain an important source of funding for many community events. Existing models, such as Special Occasion Permits and licensed areas, continue to be fully available and are not affected by the Province’s new framework.