TORONTO -- The McGuinty government has paved the way to allow Ontarians to bring their own wine to restaurants, Consumer and Business Services Minister Jim Watson announced today.

“We are giving consumers and restaurants exciting new choices in Ontario,” said Watson. “The people of Ontario will now have the option to bring their own bottle of wine and take home unfinished bottles at establishments that choose to offer these services.”

The new law permits licensed restaurants and banquet rooms in hotels and motels to allow customers to bring their own bottle of wine. The law also permits all licensed establishments to allow their customers to remove an unfinished bottle of wine that they either brought with them or ordered as part of their meal. Participating establishments can offer both services starting today.

“The industry now has a prime opportunity to better serve its diverse customer base,” said Rod Seiling, President of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. “These programs offer exciting new choices for licensees and customers alike, and strike the right balance between improving consumer choice and encouraging responsible consumption.”

An establishment wishing to offer Bring Your Own Wine (BYOW) must apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for an endorsement to its liquor licence. There is no fee for at least the first year.

“This initiative offers an excellent marketing tool for restaurants and a wonderful opportunity for consumers,” said Watson. “I’m sure many couples would love to visit a restaurant with a favourite bottle of wine to celebrate a special occasion. This is good for restaurants and it is good for consumers.”

The new legislation also increases public safety by:

Allowing the Registrar of Alcohol and Gaming to immediately suspend a liquor licence where there is a threat to public safety
Doubling the minimum fines for offences related to liquor and underage persons. The minimum fine for a licensee has increased from $500 to $1,000, and for a non-licensee from $100 to $200.
Creating new offences for failing to leave a premise when required to by a police officer, or for returning to a premise the same day after being asked to leave by a police officer.
Participation for eligible establishments is voluntary. Establishments are allowed to determine and charge a corkage fee for providing BYOW. Patrons are encouraged to call ahead to inquire whether the restaurant offers the service.