NA beer in the boat

[MercMan]

My fishing partner doesn't drink anymore, but does drink non-alcoholic beer. Is it legal to drink this in the boat? I know it's illegal to drink regular beer in the boat in Canada.

[BDR]

I have had it with me and been checked. Never had a problem. Thats all most of my group drinks. Although It does contain a very small amount of alcohol(less than mouthwash),I think that by the law you could get a fine. If you were checked by a CO on his "bad day" it would probably be up to his discrection.

[Hemlock]

Good question, but I would have to echo BDR's words...I would be astonished if you had a problem with it. Even when having real beer in the boat (it happens), unless you are drunk and silly, "they" usually don't have a problem. It is illegal, but a lot of officer's have some empathy for those who aren't abusing it.

[MercMan]

Great feedback guys. Thanks. I read somewhere that NA beer brought across the border into Canada is not subject to duty fees, because it is treated as a "non-alcoholic" beverage (like soda pop). If it is treated by customs as non-alcoholic, then I would assume that the CO's would view it the same way. I know it's not good to assume, so I want to be clear on this. I like to abide by the rules.

[Tyler Holm]

This might be a good candidate question to send to a CO officer or give the DNR a quick call. If you catch the wrong CO on the wrong day and NA Beer is in-fact against the law, Look out.

We'd all like to think that it would be ok and the officer would have empathy for those who are responsible enough to drink the NA beer, but that may not be reality. The law is the law and I’d hate for somebody to get in trouble.

[PikeBayCommanche]

Thats why we go to lakes that you don't have to worry about this. We have always had a great time portaging in to lakes and camping. Its a rarity to see more that 1 or 2 boats the whole week. Everyone talks about all of the big canadian lakes but the small ones have just as big of fish and no people just the wilderness and walleyes and pike one after another. As for the NA beer I would venture to say that it would not be a problem. I am sure that you could contact someone with-in the canadian fish and game dept.

Matt

[Hemlock]

Just got off the phone with an OPP Sargeant (that's Ontario Provincial Police) and when he was done laughing after I asked the question, he said, "Nothing wrong with that."

I think the N/A beer is good to go.

On a side note, it's not the CO's that enforce the liquor laws, it's the police. CO's do hold the power to detain you and call in the police to enforce, however.

[MercMan]

Hemlock, thanks for the extra effort....I owe you one.

[Hemlock]

I'll take a "real one", none of this N/A balogne!

[Tyler Holm]

I'm with you Hemmy, Thanks for doing the research and posting your findings. I have respect for those that want the N/A, but I prefer the "loose juice"