Beer on the ice?

[cashcrews]

I've heard various horror stories about Canada's restrictions on "open bottle" or whatever you would refer to "drinking out in the open" as. Is it true that we can bring beer along out to our fishing spot, but we have to consume it in a shelter, or discreetly? I've heard such things, and it just has me wondering...if I have a beer in my hand when I go to check a tip-up, am I going to be summoned to provincial court?

Any clarification on this subject would be appreciated.

Cashcrews

[Paul Waldowski]

cashcrews,

I know in Ontario there's no alcohol allowed at all in the boat. You can get away with a couple of cans of beer per guy for shore lunch, but don't get caught drinking them in the boat. As far as icefishing goes, I believe no alcohol is allowed on the ice, at all

[marknamy]

OPP informed our group a couple years ago that there is no alcohol allowed on the ice.

[WallEYES]

Alcohol is a no-no on the ice. I seen a few guys get caught and paid a heafty fine a few years ago in Nestor Falls. They were not happy campers.

[Hemlock]

I just called the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) to verify and it's definately a no. They consider a lake a public place and alcohol is not permitted in public places. It just tastes that much better at the end of the day.

[WallEYES]

Hemlock....nice mustang survival suit yous got on der!

[Hemlock]

Thanks! I just figured out how to get a pic or two on a HSOforum to get my avatar active. Does anyone know of an easier way to get a url for pics other than bothering the web designer guy across the street? I'm sure once my business HSOforum it up and running, I can use that.

It's not much of a fish, but I thought it was a good picture to place the face. I'm sure most will be more interested in my Mustang jacket than anything. It's a great jacket. Comfy, warm, and of course life saving potential.

If anyone hasn't stumbled across the ice/cold water safety video, here's the link........I searched for 20 minutes and can't find it. I'll keep looking. Very worthwhile video though.

[cashcrews]

Thanks for the info. I figured it might be something like that. I suspect a couple members of our party that are traveling up there in a couple weeks will be disappointed. It's not that any of them planned on downing a whole bunch of beers necessarily; but the law is the law, so we'll have to make sure no one puts an "inadvertent 12-pack" into the sled.

Cashcrews

[Hemlock]

Doesn't take long for a beer to freeze up here these days. That would be a real pain....Just use common sense and good judgement. Good luck. Report when you get back please!

[knoppers]

we were checked on the ice by the OPP, and they asked my buddie to empty out his beer. they said it was not legal to consume a beer in public, then he told us next time we get approached, to hide the cans of beer. he also stated that he also enjoyed a good can of brew on the ice, but to use some common sense.

[Stiff]

We were checked two years ago, and to be fair - we had more than just one or two, but they were hidden and consumed in a discreet manner. In fact he was just about done checking liscences when he noticed one bottle cap. He started digging and found what he was looking for. He made us dump it all out on the ice and then we just had to choose who was going to get the ticket - even explained how he was doing us a favor by only giving one ticket to the group rather than each of us individually. Long story short - I think it came out to about $90 american money.

But hey... they take plastic and you can pay by phone (LOL).

I think it kind of boils down to who stops you. The guy who stopped us is well known for being - um, "intolerant".

I guess the best advice is to just use your head. Don't head out with multiple cases - but I don't think anyone is going to go through your coat pockets.

[Hemlock]

Quote:

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we were checked on the ice by the OPP, and they asked my buddie to empty out his beer. they said it was not legal to consume a beer in public, then he told us next time we get approached, to hide the cans of beer. he also stated that he also enjoyed a good can of brew on the ice, but to use some common sense.

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BINGO!

[trapperdirk]

Yes it's illegal to consume alcohol here on the ice but alot of us do on occassion but keep it out of sight and they are usually reasonable .Alot of folks when they come up my way think they are out in the boonies and enforcement is low but in reality its higher with even special teams like S.A.V.E. that the OPP have enforcing the rules because of the large amount of tourists coming into the area in the winter time .Low key and keep it cool is the order of the day and usually they will reciprocate likewise .

TD