Proposed changes to the Ontario Liquor Licence Act would allow bar patrons to bring their drinks into the washroom.
On Monday, Minister of Government Services Gerry Phillips announced changes to the LLA on the ministry’s website. The changes include the right for patrons to take drinks into washrooms or hallways.
“What we heard from law enforcement and the bar industry is the rules needed to be changed to protect women from exposure to date rape drugs,” Phillips said in the release. “These changes are good for the consumer and good for the service industry.”
The LLA doesn’t allow drinks in areas unsupervised by bar staff, said Ab Campton, a spokesperson for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
“The concern was that the licensee has responsibility for the entire facility, so they need to observe someone at all times,” Campton said. “If [the patron] were to take a drink into a bathroom, [door staff] are not able to see what’s going on and yet they are still responsible.”
“I understand why [the government] is doing this,” said Jeff Armour, manager of The Wave. “They want to put the responsibility back on the consumer.”
However, Armour expressed concern about the possibility of patrons taking drinks into the washroom.
“When [patrons] are out of our sight, then all of a sudden the door guys have no control over how much [patrons] have had to drink.”
Armour speculated the proposed changes would lead to pat downs and coat check for all customers to prevent people from bringing alcohol into the bar and adding it to drinks in the washroom.
“Each establishment should be able to make its own policy,” said Ron Scarfone, general manager for Jim Bob Ray’s and Joe Kool’s.
“You don’t really want people in the washrooms with glassware,” Scarfone said. “If you’re dealing with the masses, you have to have controls in place.”
Both Scarfone and Armour said their bars have staff designated to monitor a table where patrons can place their drinks when using the washroom.
“I don’t know if letting people into the washroom with their drinks is going to solve anything. You never hear of [drink spiking] happening [while people are] in the washrooms,” Scarfone said, adding most incidents he’s heard of occurred where drinks are served.
“You’re going to be better protected if you can keep an eye on your own drink,” said Natalie Grella, co-ordinator of Western’s Women’s Issues Network. “It’s so frustrating when you have to leave [your drink]. You don’t know what’s going to happen to it.”
