Bill 88: Safe Night Out Act, 2025

This bill primarily affects bars, restaurants, nightclubs, event venues, and any other Ontario businesses that hold a liquor licence or permit. Owners and operators will need to ensure that all staff who serve or sell alcohol, security personnel, and their supervisors complete a new evidence-based, trauma-informed training program before they start working — and existing staff must complete it within four months. Beyond the hospitality sector, all Ontario employers are affected by the expanded Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements, which mandate approved workplace sexual harassment training for every person in the workplace including supervisors and workers. Small hospitality operators — even a solo bar owner who personally serves drinks — must complete the training themselves, develop a written sexual violence and harassment policy, and display signage confirming staff compliance, adding new administrative and scheduling burdens especially for businesses with high staff turnover.