You Can Now Drink Early in the Morning in Restaurants in Halton

Published May 21, 2019 at 3:15 pm

Want a mimosa before 11:00 a.m.?

That’s now a reality. 

Want a mimosa before 11:00 a.m.?

That’s now a reality. 

The Ontario government has made a number of changes to the Liquor License Act – including the permission to sell and serve alcohol at 9 a.m every day of the week.

According to a press release by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the government and the commission have amended some of their policies and regulations. The aim of these changes is to enhance consumer choice, increase convenience, reduce administrative burdens, and provide additional flexibility for businesses and residents.

The government has now changed the permitted hours of sale and service for businesses with a liquor sales license or limited liquor sales license to 9 a.m. This means that businesses with a liquor license can now sell and serve alcohol at 9 a.m. every day of the week. Previously, licensees and permit holders were able to sell and serve at 11 a.m. According to the press release, this change aims to provide businesses with flexibility in determining operational hours that meet their business needs.

Not only that, but businesses who hold a limited liquor sales license can now serve any serving size of alcohol they desire. Ontario wineries, breweries and distilleries can serve and sell as much wine, beer or spirits as they want. Before, these manufacturers can only sell and serve in prescribed quantities.

The AGCO has also amended the Liquor Advertising Guidelines for businesses with a liquor sales license or limited liquor sales license. Previously, the advertising guideline prohibited the use of terms such as “Happy Hour” and “cheap drinks,” to avoid the promotion of immoderate alcohol consumption. However, the commission has now removed the restriction of the use of specific terms. However, in their press release, they state that they still hope that licensees continue to ensure that advertising of prices and promotions is responsible in nature.

The last change to the Liquor License Act is for special occasion permit holders. Such holders now have greater flexibility in determining the appropriate boundaries of the area under the permit. Previously, the area had to be defined by a 0.9-metre partition to identify the boundaries of the permit area. The government has also removed the requirement for holders to have a sufficient food supply to serve people at the event, which was in effect to allow people to subdue their intoxication.

These changes took effect on May 6, 2019.

What do you think of these changes?

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