STAFF REPORT

To: North York Community Council

From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject:Special Occasion Beer Garden Permit Requests for Community Events

North York Humber, Black Creek, North York Spadina and North York Centre

Purpose:

This report seeks Council's approval to grant Special Occassion Beer Garden Permits to the groups listed in Attachment No. 1. All normal conditions and requirements apply as per previous City of North York policy and Municipal Alcohol Policy.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The organizations planning to hold a Beer Garden will be required to pay the Department $50.00 as part of their facility permit fee. If a group 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.

Recommendations :

It is recommended that:

(1)permission be granted to the groups listed in Attachment No. 1 to hold Special Occasion Beer Garden Permit event;

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

(3)the groups be charged the approved $50.00 facility permit fee and additional costs incurred by the Parks and Recreation Division 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 Smart Serve Training Program at the group's expense;

(6)the groups comply with all regulations outlined in all City policies pertaining to alcohol consumption at the time of the event; and

(7)the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

Each year the Department receives requests from various groups for Special Occasion Beer Garden Permits to compliment their community events. These events are often times 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. In addition, special inspections and approvals from other Departments such as Building, Health, Fire and Police may be required.

Comments:

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 #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 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.

The Department also requires that the groups applying for Special Occasion Beer Garden Permits obtain liability insurance of $2M coverage naming the City as additional insured. This requirement was adopted by City Council at their meeting held June 9, 10, 11, 1999, embodied in Clause 19 contained in Report #5 of North York Community Council headed "Insurance/Liability Requirements for Special Occasion Permits". There is a User Group Liability Insurance Program available from Insurance and Risk Management with the City's Finance Department which provides affordable rates for users.

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:

Jim Bradley

Director

Parks and Recreation North District

Phone: 395-6054

Fax:395-0105

jbradley@toronto.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

List of Attachments:

Attachment No. 1 - Special Occasion Beer Garden Permit Requests