Experts worry that looser alcohol laws may encourage risky drinking

Ontario’s proposal to loosen the rules on drinking — especially in public — has worried a number of community groups wanting to see the province provide more resources for alcohol-related health-care costs.
The budget would let municipalities open parks to drinking, would let bars and restaurants serve alcohol starting at 9 a.m., allow tailgate parties at sports events and expand sales of alcohol into corner stores and more supermarkets.
“The people who work in mental hea