Boat operators who have a liquor license are now allowed to sell and serve alcohol, so long as their vessel is docked.
The amendment to the Liquor License Act was announced Wednesday by the Ontario government.
Boat operators will be allowed to open a licensed outdoor area adjacent to their docked boat. While the Alcohol and Gaming Commission will not require liquor licensed boat operators to pay a fee for the physical extension, they will need to get municipal approval and meet all other requirements.
The amendment will also open up more delivery options for customers buying alcohol from retailers, including the LCBO and The Beer Store.
The requirement to get a receipt signed by the customer at the time of delivery is being removed, along with restrictions that prevented delivery to any private space, like offices.
Delivery services and boat operators will still have to check customers for identification, have Smart Serve training, and not sell or serve people who are already intoxicated.
The changes are in effect until January 1, 2021, at 3 a.m.