Shawville Fair: only one proof of identity required by law

Shawville Fair: only one proof of identity required by law

By Élizabeth Séguin

The law does not require the presentation of two pieces of identification for alcohol purchasing, contrary to a post on the Shawville Fair’s Facebook page posted earlier this week.

The post in question, which received a many reactions, indicates that a “new law” requires that consumers presents two pieces of photo ID when buying alcohol in Quebec. The Shawville Fair, contacted by the CHIP 101.9, stated that this law “is part of Bill 170 in Quebec,” adding that the fair organizers have been in contact with the government authorities, the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) and the Sûreté du Québec. The organizers have also been in discussions with the SAQ and local bars, which would also require two pieces of photo ID.

However, according to the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux du Québec Board (RACJ), whose mandate is to supervise and regulate alcohol sales, there are no regulations requiring the presentation of two ID’s from the buyer. Though when Alcohol sellers are in doubt of the authenticity of the ID, they may request for verification purposes, a second piece of ID but CHIP has been confirmed with the RACJ that it is not a legal requirement.

Bill 170, the Act to modernize the legal applications of liquor licenses and amend various legislative provisions relating to alcoholic beverages, was passed on June 12 by the Quebec government. Its goal is to better meet the needs of citizens and the industry. Certain provisions of the law came into effect on June 12, others on July 1 and more will come into effect in June of 2020. It is possible to consult the legislation on the “Modernisation du régime des permis d’alcool” on the Régie’s website to learn about these amendments proposed by Bill No. 170.