Ontario Greenlights Alcohol on Pedal Pubs to Boost Tourism, Small Business
Province moves forward with new rules allowing drinking on pedal-powered tours across Ontario cities
TORONTO — Starting July 1, Ontario will permit alcohol to be served and consumed on pedal pubs, large quadricycles that carry groups of 12 or more between bars and restaurants. The government says this change will boost tourism, protect jobs, and strengthen local economies across the province.
Municipalities will be required to pass local by-laws to allow pedal pubs, and they can impose rules on routes, hours, and safety measures. Licences to serve alcohol will be issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Operators will be expected to follow strict safety and social responsibility guidelines, according to the Ministry of the Attorney General.
The change follows a 10-year pilot program launched in 2022, during which alcohol was not permitted on pedal pubs. According to officials, Ontario’s $32 billion tourism industry supports more than 325,000 jobs and over 92,000 businesses.
“This summer, pedal pubs are bringing friends, music and the great outdoors together for an active and unique way to enjoy the journey as much as the destination,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
The new regulations amend the Liquor Licence and Control Act and are part of Ontario’s broader effort to modernize the alcohol marketplace. Officials say modernizing alcohol rules will help small businesses recover and grow in the face of economic uncertainty.
For more information, visit the Ministry of the Attorney General or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Follow GTA Today on social media for more local news and updates. #GTAToday
