Ont. liquor law changes designed to protect women
CTV.ca News Staff
People in bars will soon be allowed to carry their drinks into a washroom or hallway under proposed changes to Ontario's liquor laws.
"Establishments will now be able to have additional areas of their premises licensed, including washrooms," Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips announced Monday morning.
"Patrons will never have to leave their drinks unattended and risk someone slipping them drugs or otherwise tainting their beverage."
The current, outdated laws say washrooms and hallways in bars and nightclubs are not licensed areas, which has forced people to leave drinks unattended while using the facilities.
As a result, women have been easily targeted by men slipping so-called date rape drugs into the abandoned drinks.
Pressure from police and the bar industry forced the government to re-examine the rules.
Changes were needed to "protect women from exposure to date rape drugs," Phillips said.
He added that the changes would be good for consumers and bar operators.
"It's just going to make the bar a safer place," says Rob Emerson, manager of the Ram in the Rye Pub at Ryerson University.
The new law is not going to be mandatory, so not every bar and pub will be forced to get the license for their washrooms.
The changes are welcome news to students.
Nora Loreto, vice president of education with Ryerson University's students' union said the drugs are a concern for young women on campuses across Ontario.
Date rape drugs are sedatives similar to legal drugs such as Ativan, Valium and Xanax.
The substance is mixed in a person's drink, and when consumed causes the victim to lose consciousness, leaving them defenceless.
Phillips will introduce the new legislation Thursday.
It generally takes several months before legislation becomes law. The changes probably won't take effect until the New Year.
With a report from CTV's Paul Bliss and files from The Canadian Press
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