Communities with a MAP:
Verner, Sturgeon Falls, North Bay, Mattawa, South River
Many municipalities provide recreational facilities for their citizens to enjoy. But when alcohol is served on municipal property, problems can and often do occur.
Potential problems include:
- Impaired driving
- Injury and death
- Underage drinking
- Fights
- Vandalism
- Public intoxication
Alcohol-related problems can lead to:
- Costly lawsuits
- Financial liability
- Convictions and fines*
- Loss of liquor license privileges*
- A bad reputation for your community
* ( According to Ontario's Liquor License Act, special occasion permit holders are responsible for the safety and sobriety of their events participants )
How would a Municipal Alcohol Policy (MAP) Help?
A MAP would:
- Provide clear guidelines for alcohol use in municipally-owned areas
- Reduce risk of alcohol-related problems and, therefore, lawsuits
- Allow adults to have fun, raise money and still consume alcohol
- Inform rental/user groups about how to run safe problem-free events
- Ensure that events workers are adequately trained
- Enhance your community's reputation as a great place to live and visit
What does a Municipal Alcohol Policy contain?
A MAP outlines:
- A list of facilities eligible for alcohol use
- Safe transportation strategies
- Events controls (e.g., rules for tickets sales and the number of staff required)
- Server training requirements
- Regulations for underage participants
- Provision of low-alcohol and no-alcohol drinks
- Food availability
- Insurance required by rental groups (recommended minimum, $1 million)
- Signage
- Penalties for non-compliance with your policy
How can I develop a Municipal Alcohol Policy?
- Contact Centre for Addiction and Mental Health or the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit for information
- Obtain your Municipal Council's support
- Invite community members to serve on an Alcohol Policy Development Team
- Schedule several team meetings at intervals of about three weeks
- Draft your policy and present it to municipal officials to review
- Receive Council's approval and implement MAP
|
