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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLGS-010-26Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: March 2, 2026 Report Number: LGS-010-26 Authored By: June Gallagher, Municipal Clerk Submitted By: Rob Maciver, Deputy CAO/Solicitor, Legislative Services Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO By-law Number: Resolution Number: File Number: Report Subject: Public Event Alcohol Permit Municipal Designation Recommendations: 1.That Report LGS-010-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; 2.That Resolution ##GPA-429-12, related to guidelines for declaring events of Municipal Significance, be rescinded, effective April 30, 2026; 3.That the Public Event Alcohol Permit Designation Policy, Attachment 3 to Report LGS-010-26, be approved; 4.That the By-law attached to Report LGS-010-26, as Attachment 4 to Report LGS- 010-26, to amend the Delegation of Authority by-law regarding municipal designation letters for alcohol permits, be approved; 5.That, pursuant Section 4 of the User Fee By‑law, the Treasurer be directed to impose an interim fee for the Municipal Designation of Community and Cultural Events for alcohol permits, effective April 30, 2026; and 6.That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-010-26, be advised of Council’s decision. GG-047-26 Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report LGS-010-26 Report Overview relating to “tailgating events” and “bring own events” coming into effect April 30, 2026. 1. Authority Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) 1.1 The AGCO is responsible for administering the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019, which together with the regulations made under them establish the licensing and regulatory regime for most aspects relating to the sale and service of alcohol in Ontario. SOP - Municipally Significant Events Guidelines 1.2 Beginning in 2011, depending on the event and permit type, the AGCO may require a letter or resolution from the Municipality declaring the event as Municipally Significant for Special Occasion Permits (SOPs). 1.3 Council approved Resolution #GPA-429-12, arising out of Report CLD-028-12, regarding Municipally Significant Public Events for AGCO applications for SOPs, which originally delegated the authority to the Municipal Clerk (due to the short timelines required by AGCO) and provided the following guidelines: THAT Report CLD-028-12 be received; THAT the Municipal Clerk and Deputy Clerk be delegated the authority to consider and declare events of "Municipal Significance" under the Liquor Licence Act for the purpose of obtaining Special Event Permits; and THAT future requests for events to be declared events of "Municipal Significance" be based on the following guidelines:  Historical Events (ie, Orono Fair)  Community Events (ie, an event that will promote neighbours meeting neighbours)  Economic Spinoffs (ie, Boots & Hearts, business grand openings)  Recognition Events (ie, Sports Hall of Fame)  Raising Funds for Charity or Community Works (ie, Mayor's Golf Classic)" Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report LGS-010-26 1.4 Staff receive approximately 10-15 requests per year to declare an event as Municipally Significant. Delegation of Authority 1.5 The Municipal Clerk has been delegated authority, in various forms, involving the special occasion permit process since 1985. 1.6 Under the Delegation of Authority By-law, the Municipal Clerk is currently delegated the authority to designate a “Public Event” pertaining to a Special Occasion Permit issued (i.e. an event of municipal significance), through the Delegation of Authority By -law (see Attachment 1). 1.7 The Delegation of Authority By-law also currently delegates the Municipal Clerk to determine whether it is appropriate to support a Tailgate Event on Municipal Property (see Attachment 1). 2. Permit Requirement Changes Tailgating Events 2.1 In 2019, the Provincial requirements for SOP’s were amended to include a tailgate event (for sporting events) as a new type of public event for which a SOP can be obtained. The full permit rules were originally set out in Regulation 389/91 (which was revoked in 2021 and incorporated in Regulation 747/21). Changes were made to the legislation to require a similar requirement for a letter or resolution stating that there are no objections to a “tailgating event” as per Regulation 747/21 Liquor License and Control Act 2019: 2.2 The AGCO has provided an online “Special Occasion Permit – Tailgate Event Guide” for applicants, which includes the following definition: “A Tailgate Event Permit is required for events held in connection with, and in proximity to, a sporting event, where attendees 19 years of age or older may bring their own liquor (BYOB) for consumption at the tailgate event, within the permitted area.” 2.3 Subsections 1.13 to 1.15 of Report CLD-020-19 outline Clarington’s process for tailgate events. Applicants for Tailgate Event SOPs to be held on Municipal Property are still required to comply with all Municipal By-laws and permit terms and conditions. Since 2019, there has not been a request for a Tailgate Event submitted to Clarington. 2.4 The Clerk’s Division has a Standard Operating Procedure to administer Special Occasion Permits. Municipality of Clarington Page 4 Report LGS-010-26 2.5 Clarington has automated the application process such that the applicants complete the request form online: Municipally Significant Event - Clarington. Following their submission, they will have an automated email sent to their email address confirming receipt of the request and that it is under review, and they will be advised once approved or denied. Summary of the Upcoming Regulation Changes 2.6 On January 13, 2026, the Ministry of the Attorney General sent a letter (Attachment 2) to all Ontario Municipalities advising that “effective April 30, 2026, amendments (via O. Reg 1/26) to Regulation 747/21 expand eligibility for tailgate event permits to include events that have been municipally-designated as cultural or community events.” The change expands the existing “municipal designation” role used for Special Occasion Permits and applies it to a new class of permit, Bring-Your-Own Events. 2.7 The changes that will take effect on April 30, 2026, are:  New permits for “bring-your-own-events” for organizations and individuals. The bring-your-own permit is for outdoor public events and can be either “Sale” or “No- Sale” depending on whether alcohol will be sold and served or just served at the event. Attendees aged 19 or older are allowed to bring and consume their own alcohol at all bring-your-own events.  The term “tailgating events” has been revoked and changed to a new definition, “bring-your-own-events” to mean a public event that is held at an outdoor premises that is at ground level, o (a) where the event,  (i) is held in connection with and in proximity to a professional, semi- professional or post-secondary sporting event, or  (ii) has been designated by a municipal council or its delegate as a cultural or community event, and o (b) at which individuals may possess and consume liquor brought to the premises by attendees NOTE: With the above change, municipal designation for Bring‑Your‑Own Events will apply only where the event is not tied to an eligible sporting event.  Applicants for “bring-your-own events” must obtain a letter, or resolution, from the municipality in which the event will take place, designating the event as a “cultural, or community event” before submitting their application to the AGCO. Municipality of Clarington Page 5 Report LGS-010-26  “Nothing in this Regulation shall be read as requiring a municipal council or its delegate to designate an event as a cultural or community event, or as requiring or otherwise providing for procedures in respect of such a designation.”  The Ministry has provided more guidance on defining outdoor community or cultural events. 2.8 The Province has provided the following examples of outdoor community or cultural events:  outdoor movie screenings  street markets  arts and crafts shows  free outdoor concerts  fairs  neighbourhood sports tournaments  public performances (i.e. theatre)  farmers markets; and  international or religious festivals. 2.9 The Province does not require municipalities to designate events and it does not prescribe procedures for designations. 3. Comparison of SOPs versus BYO Events 3.1 The following table compares SOPs and BYO Events as it relates to the Municipal designation, after the changes of O. Reg. 1/26 are applied: Aspect Municipally Significant SOP Municipal Designation of BYO Event (renamed/expanded from “tailgate events”) owner’s owner’s Municipality of Clarington Page 6 Report LGS-010-26 Public or Private Event? Public or Private Events Public Events only, private or invitation-only events are not eligible. Who may apply? Individuals (19+) or Organizations Individuals (19+) or Organizations For-Profit Org? Does not restrict eligibility on profit status. Does not restrict eligibility on profit status. Notice Requirement 30 days (under 5,000 attendees/day) 60 days (5,000+ attendees/day) 30 days (under 5,000 attendees/day) 60 days (5,000+ attendees/day) Who may Attend? Under 19 permitted, depending on event type and permit conditions; however, persons under 19 may not consume alcohol. Attendees under 19 may attend the event, but only persons 19+ may bring and consume alcohol. Alcohol? Alcohol is controlled, Sold and/or served by permit holder only. Brought by attendees (BYOB), with sale or no-sale options within the permitted area. Application Timing Designation is required only in certain cases, but is still typically requested within the notice window. Municipal designation must be obtained before the AGCO application is submitted. Is municipal designation required? Sometimes. If not tied to a qualifying sporting event. Designation for? Who may sell or serve alcohol. Whether attendees may bring alcohol. What does designation confirm? Event significance or support. That the event is community or cultural. New municipal obligation created? No No (designation remains discretionary) Who decides? Council or delegate Council or delegate Enforcement role None for the event. The Municipality can still enforce municipal by-laws such as noise, parking, etc. None for the event. The Municipality can still enforce municipal by-laws such as noise, parking, etc. Municipality of Clarington Page 7 Report LGS-010-26 4. Other Municipalities 4.1 While some municipalities, such as the City of Owen Sound, have publicly acknowledged that staff reports and policy frameworks are being developed, Staff are not aware of any municipality that has adopted a policy addressing the upcoming April 30th changes. 4.2 Although the current Clarington “municipally significant” guidelines (for SOPs) of “Historical Events”, “Economic Spinoffs”, “Recognition Events”, and “Charity Events” had been straightforward for Staff to follow, the definition of “Community Events” has not always been clear. Similarly, with the addition of “cultural events”, there is a need to incorporate more details in the guidelines. To that end, Staff have researched other Municipalitie s for guidelines/terms:  The City of Toronto deems an event “municipally significant”, if “the applicant confirms the event is: o community event or festival; or o one of the following event types that does not include outdoor activities later than 9 PM or amplified music or sound outdoors after 9 PM, including sound emanating from inside:  concert, theatre show, art gallery/ book store / or similar opening or gala event;  pop-up promotion / product launch / customer appreciation event;  professional / networking or club / members event;  private, invite-only or members-only event taking place in a public space and therefore requiring a public SOP (for example, invitation- only launch / anniversary parties / client / members / professional / workplace events);  charitable fundraiser (for non-registered charities only); or  sports event in an unlicensed venues.”  London currently defines “Municipally Significant Event” as “a one-time/annual event, open to the public, with local/regional/national/international historic al or cultural significance, builds awareness of diverse cultures, or benefits the community at large.”  Township of King currently defines “Municipally Significant Events” as “events open to the public, having a predetermined opening and closing dates and times and: o Advertises to the general public o Enhances or promotes a local community asset (e.g. heritage feature, local park, local community group); and o Has direct local community significance and promotes the Township ’s social, cultural and economic development while adhering to municipal by- laws and ensuring public safety at all times.” Municipality of Clarington Page 8 Report LGS-010-26 4.3 Since the current definition of “municipally significant” for SOPs in other municipalities is quite different and broader from Clarington’s 2012 guidelines, Staff are recommending a new approach for municipally significant events to be incorporated into the new policy. 5. Summary of Proposed Clarington Changes 5.1 Other than the 2012 resolution, there has not been a Council Policy outlining how this is to be handled. With the current changes, Staff are recommending that, effective April 30, 2026:  the proposed Council Policy (Attachment 3) be approved, which: o Incorporates the existing 2012 guidelines into a definition for a municipally significant event for SOPs that provides both general eligibility requirements as well as specific eligibility for the community and cultural categories. o Creates guidelines for community and cultural categories, including guidance/examples from the Ministry, for BYO events. o Takes effect on April 30, 2026.  Rescinding of the Municipally Significant guidelines from 2012.  Change Delegation of Authority to update “tailgate events” wording (Attachment 4) and legislative authority (i.e. no longer O. Reg. 389/91) to take effect on April 30, 2026.  Staff will update the Clerk’s Division Standard Operating Procedure to: o Reference the Council Policy. o Update references to “tailgate events”. o Add the expanded definition of “bring-your-own events”.  Staff will update the online application portal to reflect the above changes. 6. Financial Considerations 6.1 Prior to May 2025, the Clerk’s Division prepared the letters for AGCO permits free of charge. Based on a review of comparator municipalities, detailed in Report FSD-019-25, Clarington now charges $50 + HST for completion of the form/letter. This charge excludes Municipality of Clarington events. Staff recommend that a new fee be added to the User Fee By-law that mirrors the other AGCO forms/letters ($50+ HST). Section 4 of the User Fee By-law provides that the Treasurer has the authority to impose an interim fee. Staff are recommending that this take place, effective April 30, 2026, with the amendment to the User Fee By-law to come with a future report from the Treasurer later in the year. 6.2 This fee would not be applicable to municipally organized events. Staff are recommending that this exemption be applied to the existing AGCO municipal letter fees. Municipality of Clarington Page 9 Report LGS-010-26 6.3 It is not anticipated that the changes proposed will affect the quantity of requests received, therefore there will not be a large financial impact. 7. Strategic Plan Not Applicable. 8. Climate Change Not Applicable. 9. Concurrence The Deputy CAO/Treasurer concurs with the recommendations of this Report. Community Services Staff have provided input. 10. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that the Committee recommend Council rescind the 2012 resolution and approve the proposed new Council Policy and amendments to the Delegation of Authority By-law and User Fee By-law. Staff Contact: June Gallagher, Municipal Clerk, jgallagher@clarington.net. Attachments: Attachment 1 - Table of Current Delegation of Authority Attachment 2 – Letter from the Attorney General dated January 13, 2026 Attachment 3 – Public Event Alcohol Permit Designation Policy Attachment 4 – Amendment to the Delegation of Authority By-law Interested Parties: There are no interested parties to be notified of Co uncil's decision. Municipality of Clarington Page 10 Report LGS-010-26 Attachment 1 to Report LGS-010-26 Current Delegation of Authority (Within Schedule “E” of the Delegation of Authority By-law 2024-042) Short Description of Matter Delegate Specific Delegation of Authority Council’s Authority to Delegate Checks and Balances –To designate a “Public Event” pertaining • Histo • Community Events ( • Economic Spinoffs ( • Recognition Events. ( • Raising Funds fo – Ministry of the Ministère du Attorney General Procureur général Office of the Assistant Deputy Bureau du sous-procureur Attorney General général adjoint Policy Division Division des politiques McMurtry-Scott Building Édifice McMurtry-Scott 720 Bay Street, 3rd Floor 720, rue Bay, 3ème étage Toronto ON M7A 2S9 Toronto ON M7A 2S9 MEMORANDUM TO: Heads of Council - Ontario Municipalities DATE: January 13, 2026 FROM: Tom McKinlay, Assistant Deputy Attorney General RE: Updates to “Tailgate Event” Permits under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 Effective April 30, 2026, amendments to O. Reg. 747/21 under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) will expand eligibility for tailgate event permits to include events that have been municipally-designated as cultural or community events. “Tailgate events” will also be renamed “bring-your-own events”. Tailgate events held in connection with and in proximity to professional, semi-professional or post-secondary sporting events will continue to be eligible events under the bring-your-own permit. All bring-your-own permit events are to remain public outdoor events. As of April 30, 2026, organizations and individuals will be able to apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which administers and regulates liquor licences and permits in the province, for permits to host “bring-your-own events”. The bring-your-own permit is for outdoor public events and can be either “Sale” or “No- Sale” depending on whether alcohol will be sold and served or just served at the event. Attendees aged 19 or older are allowed to bring and consume their own alcohol at all bring-your-own events. This initiative is intended to benefit businesses, organizations, and local tourism by making public events more accessible and encouraging greater community participation. These amendments support Ontario’s ongoing efforts to modernize the legislative and regulatory framework for alcohol, promoting safe and socially responsible recreational opportunities. As municipalities are best positioned to understand local needs and determine how to classify community or cultural events, applicants for a bring-your-own event permit for a cultural or community event must obtain a letter or resolution from the municipality in which the event will take place designating the event as a “cultural, or community event” before submitting their application to the AGCO. …/2 Attachment 2 to Report LGS-010-26 - 2 - Examples of outdoor community or cultural events may include, but are not limited to: • outdoor movie screenings, • street markets, • arts and crafts shows, • free outdoor concerts, • fairs, • neighbourhood sports tournaments, • public performances (i.e. theatre), • farmers markets, and • international or religious festivals. If a municipality does not designate an event as a community or cultural event, the AGCO cannot issue a bring-your-own event permit. The designation of an event as “community” or “cultural” is at the municipality’s discretion, there is no obligation to make such a designation. Consistent with other types of outdoor events, event organizers must also provide written notice 30 days before the event to the municipal clerk’s department, and police, fire and public health departments when expecting fewer than 5,000 people per day and 60 days prior to the event if expecting more than 5,000 people. Events held on municipal property (e.g., city parks) remain subject to applicable municipal approvals and alcohol policies, these changes are not intended to alter those requirements. The AGCO will continue to ensure compliance with the LLCA, its regulations, and the AGCO Registrar’s Standards. If you have any questions about these regulatory changes please contact Wendy Chen, Director, Agency and Tribunal Relations Branch at Wendy.Chen@ontario.ca. If you have any questions about AGCO permits and the application process, please contact Ruxandra Ilicea, Senior Eligibility Officer at Ruxandra.Ilicea@agco.ca. Yours truly, Tom McKinlay Assistant Deputy Attorney General c.c. Wendy Chen, Director, Agency and Tribunal Relations Branch Ben Valido, Chief Strategy Officer Ruxandra Ilicea, Senior Eligibility Officer Council Policy If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Page 1 of 9 Number: CP-00# Title: Public Event Alcohol Permit Designation Type: Protective Services Sub-type: Licensing Owner: Legislative Services Department Clerk’s Division Approved By: Council Approval Date: Click or tap to enter a date. Effective Date: April 30, 2026 Revised Date: New Policy Applicable to: Staff involved in processing Alcohol Permit Designation Requests. 1. Legislative or Administrative Authority: 1.1. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the Liquor Licence and Control Act (LLCA), 2019, which, together with the regulations made under them, establish the licensing and regulatory regime for most aspects relating to the sale and service of alcohol in Ontario. 1.2. O. Reg. 747/21, as amended, effective April 30, 2026, a regulation of LLCA, outlines changes to create “Bring‑Your‑Own Events”. 1.3. The Delegation of Authority By‑law 2024‑042 provides delegation to the Municipal Clerk for Public Event designation and AGCO permit support . 2. Purpose: 2.1. This Policy establishes the criteria and process for the Municipality to designate an event:  as a “municipally significant event” for the purposes of Special Occasion Permits administered by the AGCO.  as a Community or Cultural event for the purposes of Bring‑Your‑Own Event Permits administered by the AGCO. Council Policy If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Page 2 of 9 2.2. The goal of this Policy is to ensure applications are evaluated consistently, transparently, and in accordance with municipal guidelines and provincial legislation. 3. Scope: 3.1. This policy applies to:  All requests for a Municipal designation of a “municipally significant event” for the purposes of a Special Occasion permit.  All requests for a Municipal designation of a Community, or Cultural, event for the purposes of a Bring‑Your‑Own Event permit. 3.2. This policy does not include:  Municipal events that are by invitation only and not open to the general public, i.e. staff events, volunteer recognition events.  Events that are for personal profit/gain or running an ongoing business of events. 4. Definitions: 4.1. “Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)” means the provincial regulatory agency, under the authority of the Attorney General, responsible for administering and enforcing the LLCA and its regulations, including the issuance and oversight of Bring‑Your‑Own Event permits in Ontario. 4.2. “Bring‑Your‑Own Event (BYO Event)” means a public outdoor event at which attendees aged 19 or older may bring and consume their own alcohol, with either sale or no‑sale of alcohol depending on the permit type, as defined in O. Reg. 747/21, as amended. 4.3. “Charity Event” means the same as defined in the LLCA and associated regulations (specifically O. Reg. 747/21 or its successor.) Council Policy If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Page 3 of 9 4.4. “Community Event” means an event primarily intended to bring members of the community together and may include events that:  Promote neighbourhood interaction and participation by the general public.  Foster social connection, inclusion, and local pride within the Municipality.  Elevate community accomplishments or notable contributions.  Enhances or promotes a local community asset (e.g. heritage feature, local park, local community group)  Are charity, or fundraising, events which may include events that: o Raise funds or awareness for registered charities or community causes; o Clearly identify the beneficiary and intended community impact; and o Demonstrate transparent fundraising practices.  Contributes to economic activity, or commercial benefit, within the Municipality (e.g. farmers markets, pop-up promotion, product launch, customer appreciation event.)  Attract visitors or stimulate local spending (e.g., festivals, tournaments, signature markets.)  Support local businesses or tourism objectives.  Demonstrate measurable or anticipated economic benefit (e.g., foot traffic, vendor participation, accommodation demand.) Council Policy If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Page 4 of 9 4.5. “Cultural Event” means an event intended to celebrate or showcase cultural expression, heritage, or diversity and may include events that:  Showcases or celebrates arts, culture, or creative expression (e.g. concerts, performances/theatre, exhibits, gallery, bookstore, artisan shows/markets).  Showcases or celebrates heritage, Indigenous, or ethnocultural traditions, language, cuisine, or creative expression.  Are international or religious festivals.  Align with local heritage sites, anniversaries, or milestones.  Build awareness of diverse cultures and inclusion.  Commemorate achievements, service, people, places, or events of local/regional/national/international historical or cultural significance.  Include interpretive or educational components (e.g. fairs, commemorations.) 4.6. “Municipality” means the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington. 4.7. “Municipally Significant Event” means an event that has been formally recognized by the Municipality, by resolution or by letter, as meeting the requirements for municipal designation. 4.8. “Occasional Event” means an event that occurs infrequently and is not part of an ongoing or continuous operation or business, consistent with AGCO’s requirement that SOPs apply only to occasional, special events and not to the operation of a business or activity on a recurring basis. 4.9. “Special Occasion Permit (SOP)” means a permit issued by the AGCO which allows for the sale or service of alcohol on special occasions anywhere other than a licensed establishment or a private place (i.e. a residence.) 4.10. “User Fee By-law” means the Clarington User Fee By-law, as amended, or its successor. Council Policy If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Page 5 of 9 5. Delegated Authority 5.1. The authority delegated in the Delegation of Authority by-law includes:  Determine whether a submitted event is eligible to be designated as a community or cultural event under this Policy.  Determine whether a submitted event is eligible to be designated as a “municipally significant” event under this Policy.  Approve and issue, or deny, the required municipal designation letter. 6. Municipal Application Process 6.1. Individuals or organizations shall make application, within the timelines outlined in the LLCA and Regulations, with the applicable fee, for a Municipal Letter to the Municipal Clerk’s office, in the manner specified by the Municipal Clerk, providing details (as specified by the Municipal Clerk) of the proposed event. 6.2. For the purposes of this Policy, the Municipality may rely on information provided by the applicant and is not responsible for auditing or verifying the applicant's charitable status or fundraising outcomes. 6.3. The authorized Staff will:  Review the request and use the Eligibility Criteria to determine eligibility for Municipal designation for the proposed event;  Issue designation letters;  Maintaining internal SOP procedures; and  Consult with relevant departments, as required. 6.4. The applicant is responsible for submitting the letter, as part of their Permit application, to the AGCO. 6.5. There is no appeal process under this Policy; however, applicants may submit a revised application. Council Policy If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Page 6 of 9 Events on Municipal Property 6.6. Where an event is proposed on municipal property (including roads), the authorized person shall consult applicable Deputy CAOs, or designate, regarding operational feasibility and consistency with any applicable municipal alcohol policies and practices. 6.7. Events held on municipal property remain subject to all municipal approvals, permits, and any applicable municipal alcohol policies and practices. 6.8. Designation of an event under this Policy does not necessarily indicate Permit approval for events on municipal property. Event Permit approval is still required and separate from this process. Designation in General 6.9. Nothing in this Policy obliges the Municipality to designate an event. Designation remains at the Municipality’s discretion under this Policy and applicable legislation. 6.10. Designation of an event under this Policy does not create a precedent for future events. 6.11. Organizer profit status does not determine eligibility for designation. 7. Municipal Designation – Special Occasion Permit 7.1. Individuals or organizations applying to the AGCO for certain Special Occasion Permits must obtain a letter, or resolution, from the Municipality confirming the event has been designated as being “municipally significant.” Eligibility Criteria for Municipally Significant Event Designation 7.2. To be designated as a municipally significant event, the Applicant confirms that the event:  Is an occasional event.  Has a predetermined opening and closing date(s) and time(s).  Is located within the geographic boundaries of the Municipality. Council Policy If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Page 7 of 9  Is open to and advertised to the general public (e.g. street markets/festivals, outdoor movie nights, block-style gathering.)  Aligns with one, or both, of the following categories: o Community Event; or o Cultural Event.  Complies with all Municipal by-laws and policies.  Complies with all permitting, notice, and safety requirements. 8. Municipal Designation – Bring-Your-Own Event 8.1. Individuals or organizations applying to the AGCO for a Bring‑Your‑Own Event permit must obtain a letter, or resolution, from the Municipality confirming the event has been designated a Community or Cultural event. The AGCO cannot issue a permit without this designation. 8.2. As stated in the Regulation, “nothing in this Regulation shall be read as requiring a municipal council or its delegate to designate an event as a cultural or community event, or as requiring or otherwise providing for procedures in respect of such a designation.” Eligibility Criteria for Community or Cultural Event Designation 8.3. To be designated as a Community or Cultural event, the Applicant confirms that the event:  Is an occasional event.  Has a predetermined opening and closing date(s) and time(s).  Is located within the geographic boundaries of the Municipality.  Is an outdoor, ground-level public event.  Is open to, and advertised to, the general public (e.g. street markets/festivals, outdoor movie nights, block-style gathering.) Council Policy If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Page 8 of 9  Aligns with one, or both, of the following categories: o Community Event o Cultural Event  Complies with all Municipal by-laws and policies.  Comply with all permitting, notice, and safety requirements. 9. Fees 9.1. An application for a designation under this Policy is subject to the fees contained in the User Fee By-law. 9.2. Exemptions to the fee are also detailed in the User Fee By-law. 10. Roles and Responsibilities: 10.1. Council is responsible for: 10.1.1. Approving this Policy and any future amendments. 10.2. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for: 10.2.1. Overseeing Corporate compliance with this Policy. 10.3. Directors / Managers are responsible for the following within their scope of authority: 10.3.1. Ensuring departmental cooperation when events require review. 10.4. Municipal Clerk is responsible for: 10.4.1. Reviewing, approving, or denying applications requesting to be designated as an event of municipal significance, or cultural or community event, and providing a letter in response to the application, in accordance with the Delegation of Authority By-law. Council Policy If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Page 9 of 9 10.5. All Staff are responsible for: 10.5.1. Supporting the implementation of the Policy within their operational roles. 11. Related Documents: 11.1. Delegation of Authority By-law 11.2. Special Events on Private Property By-law 11.3. Special Events on Municipal Highways By-law 11.4. By-law to License On-Farm Events 11.5. The Clerk’s Division Special Occasion Permit Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or its successor. 12. Inquiries: 12.1. Municipal Clerk, clerks@clarington.net. 13. Revision History: Date Description of Changes Approved By March 2, 2026 Initial creation of policy reflecting changes to O. Reg. 747/21 and formalization of guidelines. Policy approved. Council Attachment 4 to Report LGS-010-26 If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington By-law YYYY-NN Being a By-law to amend By-law 2024-042, as amended, to provide delegations of authority from the Council of the Municipality of Clarington to Committees and Clarington Municipal Staff, be amended to revise delegated authority respecting the review and issuance of municipal designation letters for alcohol permits. Whereas the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 and O. Reg 747/21, as amended effective April 30, 2026, require applicants for Bring-Your-Own (BYO) Event Permits to obtain a letter or resolution from the Municipality designating the event as a “Community” or “Cultural” event; And whereas, the Municipal Council has adopted the recommendations contained in Staff Report LGS-010-26, to align references and delegated responsibilities with the new provincial terminology and process requirements for alcohol events; Now therefore the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington enacts as follows: 1. That Schedule “E” of By-law 2024-042, as amended, be amended to delete the following delegation of authority: Council’s – “Public Event” • Historical Events (ie, Orono • Community Events (ie, an event • Economic Spinoffs (ie, Boots & • Recognition Events. (ie, Sports • Raising Funds for Charity or 2. That Schedule “E” of By-law 2024-042, as amended, be amended to add the following delegation of authority: Council’s – “Municipal ” “Special Occasion Permit” In accordance with the “ ” 3. That Schedule “E” of By-law 2024-042, as amended, be amended to delete the following delegation of authority: Council’s – 4. That Schedule “E” of By-law 2024-042, as amended, be amended to add the following delegation of authority: Council’s – “Bring with the “ ” 5. That this by-law shall come into force and effect on April 30, 2026, or the date the By‑law is deemed passed under Part VI of the Municipal Act, whichever is later. Passed in Open Council this XX day of MMMM, YYYY. _____________________________________ Name, Mayor _____________________________________ Name, Municipal Clerk By signing this by-law on XXXX XX, YYYY, Mayor FIRST LAST NAME will not exercise the power to veto this by-law, and this by-law is deemed passed as of the latter of this date or the force and effect.