The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (March 2, 1998) from the Deputy Commisisoner of Parks and Recreation, North York Civic Centre:

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to seek Council's approval to grant Special Occasion (Beer Garden) Permits to the groups listed in Appendix I. All normal conditions and requirements would apply as per previous City of North York policy and the Municipal Alcohol Policy.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

A fee of $50.00 is charged for Special Occasion Permits. If groups have requirements for goods and services which are not readily available at the site, the Department will attempt to accommodate, but will bill at cost for expenses incurred.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) permission be granted to the groups listed in Appendix I to hold Special Occasion (Beer Garden) Permit Events;

(2) the groups obtain a Special Occasion Permit (S.O.P.) from the Liquor Licensing Board of Ontario;

(3) the groups be charged the approved Special Occasion Permit fee of $50.00 and for goods and services not readily available at the site;

(4) the groups provide proof of liability insurance coverage in the amount of $2M naming the City as additional insured;

(5) all bartenders and servers be required to attend a Server Intervention Training Program at the groups' expense; and

(6) appropriate City officials be directed to carry out all things necessary thereto.

Council Reference/Background/History:

Each year the Department (North York Region) receives requests from various groups for Special Occasion (Beer Garden) Permits to complement their community events. These events are oftentimes held in support of charity fundraisers and community oriented initiatives.

The Liquor License Board of Ontario requires that for events of this nature, approval be granted by City Council, ideally ninety days prior to the event. In addition, special inspections and approvals from other Departments such as Building, Health, and Fire, may be required.

Discussion:

Historically, these events have proven to be very positive, both in terms of community benefit and enjoyment of same. Financially, these events have minimal impact on the Department's budget and operationally, the Department anticipates no difficulties in meeting the requirements of these requests.

As directed by City of North York Council on May 24, 1995, by Resolution No. 95-09, all groups regardless of the occasion are to be treated in a like manner and be charged a Special Occasion Permit fee of $50.00. As previously indicated, if a group however has requirements for goods and services which are not readily available at the site, the Department will attempt to accommodate but will bill at cost for expenses incurred.

Conclusions:

Acknowledging the minimal financial and operational ramifications, the Department's past experience with these groups, the community benefit from these events and the enjoyment of same, Council is encouraged to support the recommendations contained in this report.

Contact Name:

David Brown, Office of the Commissioner, 395-6196

SPECIAL OCCASION (BEER GARDEN) PERMIT REQUESTS