On July 13, Centre Wellington Township hosted their scheduled council meeting at 2 p.m., and one bookmark in the agenda was a revamp of the Alcohol Risk Management Policy from 2007.
A slideshow presented by Kristen Bettiol, manager of community development, said the new 2026 Municipal Alcohol Policy reflects modern municipal guidelines.
Bettiol said the changes are based on public safety and risk management.
This new framework sets a guideline for seeking approval on alcohol distribution within the Township; all new requirements must be completed to the Township’s satisfaction and within the required timelines.
For example, some forms must be completed and submitted 30 before an event such as:
- Names of all Bartenders or bartending service company with proof of Smart Serve
or AGCO equivalent certification, including certification numbers - Names of all security workers or security company with security licence numbers, if
applicable - Copy of the Special Occasion Permit or Caterer’s Endorsement, including any
updates
Despite Ontario Smart Serve permitting 18-year-olds to sell alcohol, the Township’s policy requires event workers to be at least 19-years-old.
The new policy also prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol at “higher-risk event types” such as stag-and-doe/engagement parties, Bring-Your Own-Alcohol events, tailgate Special Occasion Permit events and alcohol service at youth-focused or minor sport events.
The policy said the new guidelines reflect safer service and consumption of alcohol on municipal property; the Township aims to reduce alcohol-related incidents such as injury, violence and liability arising from alcohol consumption on Township property.
The new policy was moved by Council.
