Changes To Liquor Licence Act Improve Public Safety And Service Delivery

    Bars And Restaurants Can Now Apply For The New Liquor Licence

    TORONTO, Feb. 8 /CNW/ - As of February 1, 2007, the Ontario government
has implemented changes to the Liquor Licence Act permitting the licensing of
additional areas of bars and restaurants so that patrons can monitor their
drinks and avoid dangers such as the so-called date rape drugs, Minister of
Government Services Gerry Phillips announced today.
    "Establishments can now apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of
Ontario (AGCO) to expand their licensed premises to areas such as washrooms
and hallways," said Phillips. "This is part of the recent reforms to the
Liquor Licence Act to ensure our liquor laws are updated and continue to
reflect current realities and provide sufficient protection for consumers."
    There will be no new fee to licensees who request a change to the
licensed areas of their establishment, to ensure all appropriate areas are
accommodated, including washrooms, hallways, stairwells, lobbies and other
similar areas.
    "What we heard from law enforcement and the bar industry is that the
rules needed to be changed to protect women from exposure to date rape drugs,"
said Phillips. "These changes are good for the consumer and good for the
service industry."
    Under the former rules, some areas in establishments, such as washrooms
were not eligible to be licensed. This prevented patrons from having drinks in
those areas. However, over the last several years there has been growing
concern over the public safety risks this posed. Items such as date rape drugs
have emerged as a safety risk for people who are forced to leave their drinks
unattended.
    "We are supportive of any measure designed to improve public safety,"
said Jean Major, Chief Executive Officer of AGCO. "The commission is committed
to ensuring that the regulatory oversight of the beverage alcohol industry is
fair, responsive and in the public interest."
    Introducing extended licensing is one way the McGuinty government is
working to protect Ontario families and strengthen public safety. Other recent
initiatives include the Consumer Protection and Service Modernization Act,
which will:-   Create new protection for Ontario homeowners from real estate fraud
    -   Ensure retail gift cards and certificates will retain their full
        value and not expire
    -   Enhance electrical safety standards for consumer products.

    For more consumer protection information, visit the ministry's website at
www.mgs.gov.on.ca.
    To apply for the extended licensing, visit the Alcohol and Gaming
Commission of Ontario website at www.agco.on.ca.

    Disponible en français

                              www.mgs.gov.on.ca

For further information: Paul de Zara, Minister's Office, [phone]
- office, [phone] - cell; Ciaran Ganley, Ministry of Government
Services, [phone]