Caledon opts out of new public drinking permit framework

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In March of 2026, the Ontario government announced their expansion to “bring-your-own” (formerly tailgate) event permits for municipally designated cultural or community outdoor public events.

This expansion would allow individuals 19 years of age and older to bring alcohol to events holding a “bring-your-own” event permit, such as street markets, craft fairs, and more.

Municipalities will have to pass bylaws allowing people to drink in public if they do not already, and establish a process for events that qualify under the new rules if they so wish.

The Town of Caledon Staff recommended the Town not pursue this option.

In a memorandum posted to the April 28th Council meeting agenda, it stated that “the Town of Caledon does not currently have an enacted by-law governing the use of alcohol in public

and, as such, will be unable to issue ‘tailgate' or ‘bring-your-own' event permits.”

“While the province has outlined the intended benefits of this initiative, staff do not recommend enacting such a by-law due to concerns about enforcement and community safety, as well as implications for alcohol sales at events within the Town of Caledon that support local breweries and cideries.”

At the Council meeting, staff stated they do not recommend that any by-law be brought forward to permit the public consumption of alcohol necessary to enable the Town to issue these licenses. 

If an application for a “tailgate” or “bring-your-own” event permit is received by the Town of Caledon, it will be brought forward for Council's consideration. 

It was also said that if Council find it “desirable” to provide for “tailgate” or “bring-your-own” event permits, staff may be directed to prepare the by-law to allow the use of alcohol in public, as well as any changes to the Town's existing liquor licensing framework that might be necessary procedurally for designations moving forward.

Council voiced concerns about the overall enforcement of this new change from the government, and if it would now be perceived that “Tailgate” or “Bring-Your-Own” is the new standard.

Staff agreed that this is a concern, and even bringing this memorandum forward would hopefully bring clarity to the situation.

Until Council directs otherwise in the future, “bring-your-own” event permits at public events will remain off the table in Caledon.