The public interest and liquor licenses in Ontario

Residents’ groups are becoming more organized and vocal in expressing their concerns regarding the negative effects of poorly operated liquor licensed premises. Using the “public interest” measures in the Liquor Licence Act, the residents have successfully had liquor licenses revoked and new license applications denied. This paper examines some of the types of problems suffered by residents and the efforts they have made to alleviate those problems. These efforts include proactive consultation with licensed-premises operators, lobbying of politicians, adversarial license hearings, and legislative amendments.