CORRECTION: The following story has been corrected to explain the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s role in issuing liquor licences and Niagara Region’s bylaw regarding the consumption of alcohol on pedal pubs.
Pedal Pub patrons in Niagara-on-the-Lake won’t be sipping drinks while pedalling anytime soon, after town council voted to maintain its current alcohol-free rules.
The decision was made during its last general committee of the whole meeting, following the introduction of a provincial law on July 1 that allows pedal pub cyclists to consume alcohol on board — provided the operator applies for and receives a liquor licence.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is responsible for issuing liquor licences in the province. However, Niagara Region currently has a vehicles for hire bylaw that prohibits the service of alcohol on large quadricycles — in this case, like pedal pubs.
Chris Johnston, the manager of business licensing for the region, said it approached the town to ask whether it would permit alcohol consumption on pedal pubs, changing its bylaw.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is the only town in the region with an operating pedal pub: Pedal Pub NOTL on Mary Street.
This branch of the Pedal Pub company opened in 2019 and has been rolling ever since, taking groups of up to 15 people to bars and breweries in town, on a pedal-powered quadricycle.
Granting a licence would have required an amendment to the region’s licensing bylaw. Town staff presented two options: keep the bylaw as-is — which is what it recommended — or change it to allow licensed pedal pubs.
Council voted in favour of the staff recommendation, a decision it confirmed during its regular meeting last Tuesday.
Pedal Pub NOTL’s general manager, Marlo Saganski, said the company has “no comment” on the town’s current stance.
“We believe it is important to take the time to fully understand the matter and to consult directly with the town council,” she said via email.
“We welcome the opportunity for further discussion and look forward to working together to ensure that all perspectives are carefully considered before moving forward.”
A pedal pub is an open-air, bar-style vehicle with four wheels and barstool seating. Patrons power it using bicycle pedals at their feet.
Before July 1 this year, provincial laws around alcohol in vehicles prohibited pedallists from being able to drink while on board the Pedal Pub, as well as operators from selling and serving alcohol on board.
