Ontario Regulation 145/25 under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019, introduces amendments to Ontario Regulation 746/21 (Licensing) to accommodate a new category of licensed premises: large quadricycles. These are multi-passenger pedal-powered vehicles already recognized in Ontario Regulation 411/22 as part of a pilot project under the Highway Traffic Act. The new regulation introduces definitions for “large quadricycle,” “large quadricycle chauffeur,” and “large quadricycle passenger,” and sets out specific provisions governing the sale and consumption of alcohol aboard these vehicles.

Under the changes, liquor sales licenses can now be issued for large quadricycles, but with stringent eligibility and operational criteria. First, such licenses are restricted to municipalities that have passed bylaws explicitly allowing large quadricycles to operate under the Highway Traffic Act pilot project. If a municipality passes a resolution against the issuance of liquor sales licenses for large quadricycles and communicates this to the Registrar, no such licenses may be granted within its jurisdiction. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is tasked with publicly maintaining a list of such municipalities and associated resolution dates. Should a municipality later rescind its opposition, eligibility for licensing may resume.

Applicants for liquor sales licenses tied to large quadricycles must submit a formal attestation confirming the nature of the premises. However, endorsements typically available for stationary venues, such as caterers, brew pubs, and wine pub endorsements, are not permitted for these mobile units. Furthermore, liquor licensing for conveyances is now strictly limited to boats, railway cars, and large quadricycles.

To ensure public safety and compliance, Regulation 145/25 establishes detailed rules for when and how alcohol may be sold and consumed aboard large quadricycles. Only liquor packaged in non-glass containers (such as cans or plastic bottles) and intended for immediate consumption is allowed. Sales can only occur before the quadricycle begins its route and only to passengers riding that particular trip. Consumption is permitted exclusively while the vehicle is in motion and under strict supervision: at least two staff must be present—one chauffeur and one attendant to manage and monitor alcohol service. All passengers must remain seated during consumption, and no individuals under 19 may be present on board, except for employees.

Further safeguards include mandatory written warnings to all passengers, issued prior to departure, about the dangers and legal consequences of operating vehicles while impaired. Additionally, licensees must ensure that liquor is inaccessible during stops or when the quadricycle is not actively transporting passengers. Importantly, under no circumstance may passengers be asked to disembark while the vehicle is moving, even in situations involving misconduct or policy enforcement.

Ontario (145/2025) July 9, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.