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Decentralized Democracy

Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 114

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
May 30, 2023
Safe Night Out Act, 2023
  • Bill 114, also known as the Safe Night Out Act, 2023, is an amendment to the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It introduces mandatory training on sexual violence and harassment prevention for individuals involved in the sale or service of liquor, as well as those responsible for security or supervision at licensed premises. The training program will cover topics such as recognizing signs of sexual violence or harassment, understanding consent, and safely intervening in risky situations. License and permit holders will also be required to display a sign indicating completion of the training. The Act also mandates that licensees and permit holders have a sexual violence and harassment policy in place, outlining how incidents will be addressed and providing information on available support services. The Act further expands the definition of workplace violence to include workplace sexual violence and requires employers to provide approved training on workplace sexual harassment. The Act will come into force six months after receiving Royal Assent.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One steelman argument in favor of Bill 114 2023, the Safe Night Out Act, is that it addresses an important issue of sexual violence and harassment in premises where liquor is sold or served. By mandating sexual violence and harassment prevention training for license and permit holders, as well as employees and other individuals involved in the sale or service of liquor, the Act aims to create a safer environment for patrons and workers. The training program developed by the Registrar is evidence-based and trauma-informed, ensuring that it provides accurate information on what constitutes sexual violence or harassment, the elements of consent, and how to recognize signs of risk and intervene safely. This comprehensive training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and address incidents of sexual violence and harassment. Moreover, the Act requires license and permit holders to display a sign indicating that the necessary training has been completed. This not only raises awareness among patrons but also serves as a deterrent for potential perpetrators, as they know that the premises are committed to preventing sexual violence and harassment. The Act also introduces a sexual violence and harassment policy requirement for license and permit holders, which focuses on reducing sexual violence and harassment and outlines how incidents will be addressed. This policy ensures that there are clear procedures in place to handle such incidents and provides information about available community supports and services for victims. By amending the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Act also recognizes workplace sexual violence as a form of workplace violence and includes it in the definition. This amendment highlights the importance of addressing sexual violence and harassment in the workplace and ensures that employers take reasonable measures to prevent workplace harassment and promote respect and dignity. Overall, the Safe Night Out Act aims to create a safer environment by addressing sexual violence and harassment in premises where liquor is sold or served. It provides comprehensive training, clear policies, and promotes awareness and prevention, ultimately contributing to the well-being and safety of patrons and workers.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 114 2023: Bill 114 2023, also known as the Safe Night Out Act, proposes amendments to the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act to require sexual violence and harassment prevention training in premises where liquor is sold or served. While the intention behind this bill may be well-meaning, there are several concerns from a right-wing anti-government perspective. 1. Government Overreach: This bill represents yet another instance of government overreach into the private sector. It imposes burdensome regulations on businesses, forcing them to comply with mandatory training programs and display signs. This not only increases the administrative burden on businesses but also undermines their autonomy and ability to operate freely. 2. Redundancy and Inefficiency: Many businesses already have their own policies and training programs in place to address sexual violence and harassment. By mandating a standardized training program, the government is disregarding the efforts made by businesses to create safe environments for their employees and patrons. This one-size-fits-all approach fails to recognize the unique needs and circumstances of individual businesses. 3. Liability Concerns: While the bill includes a provision stating that completing the training program does not make a person liable in a civil proceeding, there is still a concern that businesses may be held accountable for incidents of sexual violence or harassment that occur on their premises. This creates a potential for frivolous lawsuits and places an undue burden on businesses to prove their innocence, even if they have taken reasonable measures to prevent such incidents. 4. Cost Implications: Implementing the training program and displaying the required signs will undoubtedly come at a cost to businesses. Small businesses, in particular, may struggle to allocate resources for this additional expense. This could lead to financial strain and potentially result in job losses or increased prices for consumers. 5. Individual Responsibility: While it is important to address sexual violence and harassment, it is equally important to recognize the role of personal responsibility. Individuals should be encouraged to take proactive measures to protect themselves and report incidents when they occur. Relying solely on mandatory training programs may create a false sense of security and shift the responsibility away from individuals. In conclusion, while the goal of preventing sexual violence and harassment is commendable, Bill 114 2023 represents an unnecessary and burdensome intrusion by the government into the private sector. It undermines individual responsibility, imposes additional costs on businesses, and fails to recognize the existing efforts made by businesses to address
First Reading
  • May 30, 2023, noon
  • In Progress
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