For Immediate Release
October 14, 2004

Barrett concerned with Liberal ‘Bring Your Own Wine’ agenda
Suggests government priorities out of step with Ontarians

Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett cited concerns of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and MADD Canada, as he spoke out against the Liberal government’s proposed ‘Bring Your Own Wine’ legislation yesterday.

The bill – currently in second reading debate at the Ontario Legislature - would allow Ontarians to bring their own bottle of wine to a licensed restaurant. At the same time, the government is planning to allow Ontarians to take home a re-sealed, unfinished bottle of wine that they brought with them or ordered as part of their meal in a participating restaurant.

“I've just received a letter written by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - they responded in a letter to the editor of the Globe and Mail,” said Barrett. “‘CAMH is concerned that public health and safety considerations have been largely absent from the discussions about the possibility of patrons bringing their own wine to restaurants.’”

He further pointed out that, while the Liberals contend that there is overwhelming support for the wine initiative, a recent poll shows that doesn’t necessarily reflect the priorities of Ontarians.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving -- I think we'll hear a bit from this organization during this debate -- sent out a news release titled ‘Real Concern for Increase in Impaired Driving’”, Barrett pointed out. “They did a survey. ‘Almost half of the public has concerns for drinking and driving and an increase in impaired driving incidents, according to a recent SES opinion poll commissioned by MADD Canada’.

“As MADD has indicated, and I concur, ‘the Ontario public is not screaming for BYOW and there isn't the overwhelming support of 9-1 that Minister Watson suggested at the launch of the bill."
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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at:
519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629