Dear piknicers,

The winds of change are blowing (already) toward Piknic Electronik’s upcoming edition, breeze that’s cooling us down a bit after a scorching 2012 season.

Following a recent visit by the police to our offices, it’s with regret that we announce you’ll no longer be able to bring your own alcohol onto the Piknic grounds. “But why not?” you’re probably asking. The answer is simple: because of new legal restrictions on our liquor license, the permit we have for our bar.

In 2010, the Piknic organization took the decision to ban all personal alcohol because from the site due to the abuse of some piknicers. Following the controversy that this news generated, we retracted a bit to our current policy of allowing only a certain amount of alcohol onsite, if accompanied by an actual picnic. Unfortunately this time, we have no such room to maneuver. For the summer of 2013, we’ll be obligated to apply the Liquor Permit Act, or otherwise face sanctions:

Article 72.1. A holder of a permit authorizing the sale or service of alcoholic beverages cannot tolerate in his establishment the presence of alcoholic beverages acquired elsewhere, in accordance with the license [...].

Article 86. The Régie shall revoke or suspend a license if:

[...] 4 - the licensee has infracted section 72.1 [...]

We feared this day would come sooner or later, and now it’s here. The decision by the authorities in this matter is final and non-negotiable. To face this new reality, we prefer you to inform you now for the sake of transparency.

We’re aware that this news risks disappointing many of you. Some among you will be tempted to spend your Sundays elsewhere, but know that, for you and for us, it’s difficult to leave behind this unique portion of the Piknic concept, with which we’ve grown for the past decade. We will continue to work on evolving the event and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy the Piknic experience. As always, we have an open ear to your comments and suggestions.

Sincerely,

The Piknic Team