The Eastern Ontario Health Unit highly recommends that all municipalities on its territory adopt a municipal alcohol policy. A municipal alcohol policy (M.A.P.) that is adopted by municipalities and respected by the population can help prevent impaired driving, underage drinking, fights and vandalism, public intoxication as well as injuries and deaths.

A municipal alcohol policy clearly establishes a list of facilities allowing alcohol use, safe transportation strategies, event control (e.g. number of staff required), server training requirements, regulations for underage participants, provision of low-alcohol and no-alcohol drinks, food availability, insurance required for rental groups, signage and penalties for non-compliance with the policy.

Municipal Alcohol Policies also provide information on special occasion permits and rules to follow in order to have a safe and secure event under this permit.

For more information on municipal alcohol policies, please contact the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120 and ask for the Health Line.

For more information on municipal alcohol policies in effect in your community, please contact your local municipality or township.