Starting July 1, 2025, Ontario’s hospitality and tourism sector is shifting gears—literally. The provincial government has announced that alcohol can now be sold and consumed on large quadricycles, commonly known as pedal pubs. This change is designed to support small businesses and promote local tourism by introducing a new way for groups to experience Ontario’s communities.
With this update, Smart Serve Ontario remains focused on ensuring alcohol is served safely and responsibly, regardless of the setting. As the trusted provider of responsible alcohol service training in Ontario, we are committed to helping licensees and servers understand their obligations under the law.
What’s Changing?
As of July 1, 2025:
- Alcohol is permitted to be served and consumed on licensed pedal pubs.
- A valid liquor sales licence from the AGCO is required to serve alcohol onboard.
- Municipalities must pass a local by-law to permit pedal pub operations in their communities.
- Pedal pubs must comply with all existing and any locally mandated safety, route, and operating hour regulations.
These changes build on Ontario’s 10-year pilot program initiated in 2022 and reflect the province’s broader efforts to modernize its alcohol regulations while prioritizing public safety.
What This Means for Smart Serve Certification
Smart Serve Ontario is the mandatory training program for all individuals involved in the sale and service of alcohol in the province. As new service models emerge, such as pedal pubs, it is essential that all staff:
- Hold valid Smart Serve certification
- Understand how to recognize signs of intoxication and refuse service when necessary
- Are aware of the legal responsibilities and risks associated with mobile alcohol service
We provide education and resources to ensure that alcohol is served with care, accountability, and an understanding of community impact.
Supporting Safety in a Changing Industry
Ontario’s tourism sector continues to grow, supporting over 325,000 jobs and contributing $32 billion to the province’s economy in 2023. As new service formats like pedal pubs are introduced, the role of certified servers becomes even more important in protecting public safety and maintaining trust in the hospitality industry.
Smart Serve Ontario will continue to provide up-to-date training and guidance to ensure all licensees and servers are well-equipped to navigate these changes with professionalism and responsibility.
