Ontario Consumer Minister Jim Watson officially introduced the long-awaited plan that would allow restaurant patrons to bring their own bottle of wine to the table.
The bill was introduced to the Legislature on Thursday afternoon to amend the Liquor Licence Act. The plan would be voluntary and permitted only at licensed establishments. Alberta, Quebec and New Brunswick already have similar programs in place.
"Ontario has been perhaps a little small-c conservative over the last several years with respect to liquor laws," Mr. Watson told a news conference. "[This]helps bring us into the 21st century."
The program is likely to be launched in time for the fall, he said. Participating restaurants will be allowed to set a corkage fee to cover the cost of glassware and labour.
Mr. Watson told reporters that his office has been "inundated" with public comment, running nine to one in favour of the proposal. Toronto restaurateurs have mixed feelings about the announcement, though.
Grazie manager Vito Brancatella says it's hard to guess what the restaurants will do. He predicted the idea will probably catch on only if owners can charge a reasonable amount for corkage.
Mazzone Antipasti manager Ruban, who declined to give his surname, said he would not introduce the program. He insisted that, to cover expenses, corkage fees would have to be so high that patrons would actually prefer paying the current markup. He said he would expect to charge $20 to open a $20 bottle of wine.
Sassafraz owner Zoran Kocovski didn't have a problem with the proposal, but said he won't be introducing corkage at the swanky Yorkville restaurant known for catering to celebrities. He noted that none of the wines they offer are available at the LCBO.
Mammina's co-owner David Valentini welcomed the program and promises to introduce it if legislation is passed. For the past 12 years the restaurant has marked up all bottles at a flat rate of $5.
"We can give our customers the choice to bring their own wine or buy ours," he said. "The only advantage now for the customer is that they can bring their own wine," he said. It is likely they will charge about $5 for a corkage fee.
Mr. Watson is also proposing changes that would allow patrons to take home unfinished, re-sealed bottles of wine brought from home or purchased at the establishment.
It's a move some say is meant to mollify groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving. But Andrew Murie, MADD Canada national executive director is appalled by the announcement.
"The government has put the agenda of their popularity at the throats of the people who work in our hospitality industry," said Mr. Murie.
He believes servers and restaurant owners will feel less inclined to refuse intoxicated patrons who have brought their own alcohol, at the risk of losing tips or customers. He said research shows that allowing people cheaper wine increases consumption and alcohol-related harms. But the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services said that licensed restaurants would still be responsible for prevent over-consumption and for refusing to serve intoxicated patrons.
When MADD Canada sat on a provincial task force on liquor reform about 18 months ago, they recommended that there should be no bring-your-own-wine amendment and Minister Watson promised to take their suggestions into account after meeting with them.
"He didn't have the gall to tell us he'll do it. I didn't expect this," he said, adding he had hoped to hear the news from the Minister and not on the morning radio.
MADD Canada is not against bringing home unused wine "in the interest of public safety," so that patrons would not feel obliged to finish a bottle of wine, Mr. Murie added.
The Ministry of Consumer and Business Services is also proposing to double minimum fines for offences related to alcohol and underage persons, and to allow the Registrar of Alcohol and Gaming to immediately suspend a liquor licence.
With a report from Canadian Press