Alcool in Ontario and U.S.A

[superic]

I'm from Montreal and the laws here are not the same then in Ontario. We're leaving Mtl July 27 to Canal Rideau and coming back to Mtl by the Thousand Islands. My question is, they talk about a place to cook attached. I have a portative BBQ. Are the OPP so severe to give me a ticket and take my bottles?

And in the USA? What is the reglement to have alcool with them?

merci

excuse my english, i'm french

[Spacelord]

I don't know the Candadian/OPP laws and regulations.. but I've heard they are sticklers about open intoxicants even at anchor.. I'm sure theres more to it.

Taking alcohol between Canada and US is probably limited to the usual rules going by bridge or other checkpoint.

As far as the amount of alcohol on a boat in the US.. I could have 100 bottles in my boat and no issue.  just not drinking and driving..thats a no no.

[02-310]

Superic,
You will enjoy this trip; I live only 200 meters from the Canal right downtown Ottawa.  Here are answer to your questions with respect to Ontario.

Under what circumstances is it illegal to transport beverage alcohol? (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario):

It is illegal to transport beverage alcohol in a motor vehicle, a motorized snow vehicle or a boat unless the beverage alcohol is in a container that is unopened and the seal unbroken, or unless the beverage alcohol is packaged in baggage that is fastened closed or is not otherwise readily available to anyone in the vehicle. In a boat, the beverage alcohol must be stored in a closed compartment.  http://www.agco.on.ca/en/t.tools/t3.1.g ... .faqs.html

When can alcohol be consumed aboard a pleasure craft in the Province of Ontario's waters?  (Ontario Liquor Licence Act Regulation 718 3(1) (7) (8))

Alcohol can only be consumed aboard a pleasure craft that has: permanent sleeping accommodations and permanent cooking and sanitary facilities, and only while the boat is at anchor or is secured to the dock or land.  The Province of Ontario's Liquor License Act forbids the operation of a boat with liquor on board unless it is unopened and sealed, or stored in a closed compartment.  http://www.canlii.org/on/laws/regu/1990 ... whole.html

Here are a couple more links that you may find useful:
http://rideau-info.com/
http://boating.ncf.ca/rideau.html

[Capt Ron]

Superic, just keep your booze out of sight when going through the canal system. This is where the OPP stand, looking down at boats going through. Even cruisers must not have empties or any booze in the open when underway. We would give anything to have the same laws as Quebec. They just make so much sense.
Cheers,
Ron

[superic]

I want to have a permanent cooking, but where? I'f i put ALL my bottle in the compartiment under my bed? No bottles or cans in the icebox, drinking only anchored or at dock, and singning the O CANADA (joke), can i enjoy my trip?

Are they more severe when they see QC in the front of the boat?

 Capt Ron, yes we have differents laws for alcool in Quebec, but sometimes it's very too permissive, especially on water.

I think in a better world, the best law was the intelligence!!!

And in the U.S.A, are they more or less severe?

Merci

[Capt Ron]

Usually when I see QC I go over and party with them. Don't worry Superic, just don't show the booze. It's okay to have it in a cooler. Maybe you should invest in some plastic coloured glasses like the rest of us...LOL You will have a good time...don't worry.
Cheers,
Ron

[02-310]

I agree with Ron you will have a great time.  Maybe you should tell me when you'll be docked downtown and I'll drop by for a beer  

During my walk, there was a small group of kids drinking beer out of cans on a park bench along the canal, and when I walked back an hour later they were still there doing the same thing.  So, if you conceal your drinks in an insulated mug all should be fine.

[02-310]

I forgot the reply to the permanent cooking facility.  This is something permanent installed in the boat, not a coleman store or propane BBQ.  

Oh yeah, as you know beer is cheaper in QC, at about a $1/can for the good stuff, so stock up.

[superic]

This is my only problem Swabbie. It's my f..... BBQ. It's a camping Coleman stored in a compartiment.