Ontario Permitting “Bring-Your-Own” Alcoholic Beverages at Outdoor Public Events

March 18, 2026

To help support local tourism and drive economic growth, our government is expanding “bring-your-own” (formerly tailgate) event permits for municipally designated cultural or community outdoor public events, including farmer’s markets, movie screenings, art exhibits and neighbourhood festivals.

The expanded permit will allow people who attend these events to bring their own alcohol for consumption in designated areas.

Municipalities will be required to pass a bylaw authorizing the use of alcohol in public, if they do not already have one in place, and establish a local process that would determine whether an event qualifies as community or cultural.

Starting April 30, 2026, event organizers in participating municipalities will be able to apply for bring-your-own permits through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).