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OPINION IT'S TIME FOR OUR PUBLIC DRINKING RULES TO GROW UP OUR APPROACH TO ALCOHOL SEEMS SO ARCHAIC, WRITES MIKE FARWELL I wish I'd never visited Europe. Had Inot made pat first trip "across the pond" about a decade ago, In never would have experienced a public approach to alcohol it ur approach, here in Ontario, seem so ar- ac. In Europe, 1 experienced the opportunity to shop in. small grocery store where t found sandwiches, snacks, and a bottle of beer I could purchase and then take to the nearby waterway for a pleasant lunch on a river- side bench. lattended a concert ina public square where alco- hol was available for pur- chase and could be con- sumed anywhere in the pla- a MIKE FARWELL Column za (as opposed to the desig- nated areas we were long confined te to in Ontario). late one night, stooped at what ood amount to a hot dog cart here in Ontario and bought a bottle of beer to drink as I strolled back to my hotel. All of this, of course, sounds rather incredulous based on what we are al- lowed — or not allowed — to do here. In Ontario, we have come to accept rather re- sirictive alcohol policy that re we can na booze, but where we can consume it. While there has been incremental change in the past decade, we haven't gone far enough. ‘hankfully, the City of Toronto has decided to lead the way. Through a two-month pilot project launched ear- lier this month, Toronto has become the first city in Ontario to allow drinking in some public parks. Other Canadian cities are even further ahead. In Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, pilot pro- grams to allow drinking in public parks have already transitioned to permanent gorians who participated survey following the city’s spilot program said they visited parks more of- ten because they were al- lowed to drink. The concerns surround- ing this policy change are understandable. There's a sense, it seems, that loosen- OUR TIRES GO THE EXTRA MILE. ing control around where when we can drink al- cohol will caltse a loss of control i in those consuming ‘That was not the case during my first visit to Eu- rope all those years ago. Despite alcohol policy that was far more relaxed than what I'd grown up with, people were not stag- gering drunkenly through Fresh Cut New York Ned Bekavac/Metroland "Maybe it's time to let alcohol policy in Ontario grow up with us," writes Mike Farwell. the pret. The streets wash with debris nota or shattered glass the next meand experience seems t to be similar here in Nae ‘one city that has adopted a permanent poli- cy to allow drinking in pub- lic parks has reported a rash of drunken behaviour, including drinking really, if we were to = alow arate to be con- “kepsanuy | ersuoayg oopeyena | 2 ed in city parks, are we not just making official what has long been done 3 z unofficially, anyway? faybe we're a whole lot 2 more grown up than we- I think. 8 Maybe it's time to let al- ° cohol policy in Ontario grow up with us. It's not often that TH look to Toronto and tip my cap to its progressive policy mak. ing that is superior to our own. But Toronto has cer- tainly got us beat on this one. It's time for a councillor in Waterloo Region champion some change. Columnist Mike Far- well is a broadcaster, MC and advocate. Follow him on Twitter at @far- well_WR, or connect with him via Mike.Far- well@rci.rogers.com. Weekly Specials AUGUST 14 - 21, Fresh Chicken Wings $4.99/Ib Reg. $6.99/1b VAG) $11.00/kg Reg. $15.41/kg Store Made Roadhaus Burgers 12x6oz. $26.99 Box Reg. $29.99 Box Store Made “Gluten Free” Chicken Schnitzel $7.99/lb Reg. $8.99/1b $17.61/kg Reg. $19.82/kg Fresh Bone in Pork Butt Roast $3.99/Ib Reg. $4.99/1b $8.80/kg Reg. $11.00/kg Store Made Deli Sliced German Salami $2.42/100g Reg. $2.90/100g $10.99/Ib Reg. $13.15/b SO DO WE. UNTRY /T™ OPEN CO ON-/OFF-ROAD ALL-TERRAIN TIRE Striploin Steaks $14.99/Ib Reg. $18.99/Ib $33.05/kg Reg. $41.87/kg The Open Country A/T il all-terrain tire delivers gripping off-road. traction with responsive and predictable on-road handling. With a stron durability and treadwear life, Toyo introduces design, construction and all-new tread compounding. It also provides a quiet ride with exceptional stability. The Open Country A/T Ill is built to get there and get back home, regardless of terrain or weather. Available in LT-Metric, P/Euro-Metric and Flotation sizes r packs, 519-699-4590 STEMMLERMEATSCA [Only the best from our family to yours! oF LCBO product: 3031 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg Mon - Thur 9 am - 6 pm; an aan 7pm; (@ XX TIRE] 371 Arthur StS, ELMIRA Honestly driven. Sat 7:30 am - www.oktireelmira.com '9]9|UOIYDOOLLE}2M