West Grey Council is receiving a report this week to bring forward a by-law to allow businesses sell alcohol on statutory holidays.
Coming to council on May 2, the report by Director of Legislative Services and Clerk Jamie Eckenswiller recommends requesting staff bring forward a by-law permitting the sale of alcohol on these holidays by businesses already permitted to be open and who are licensed.
The report says while staff are not recommending the municipality enact a by-law to permit additional businesses to be open on these holidays, it allows for the retail sale of alcohol by businesses that are licensed to do so, like corner stores and convenience stores with an LCBO outlet.
The report adds there has been recent interest in exploring a by-law under the Retail Business Holidays Act (RBHA) to permit the sale of alcohol on statutory holidays.
“The RBHA is provincial legislation that prohibits the opening of retail businesses on statutory holidays,” says the report. “Municipalities are given the authority under the legislation to pass by-law that would exempt businesses from the requirement to be closed on statutory holidays.”
There are currently nine holidays listed under the RBHA, New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Council will be reviewing this report at its meeting on May 2 at 9 a.m.