MPP swamped with calls about shag rules

An area MPP says his office has been receiving a number of calls regarding shags and a possible crackdown on the potentially illegal money making raffles many of them feaure.

As reported by tbnewswatch.com last week, the province’s Alcohol and Gaming Commision has received complaints from a bar owner about the prize tickets being sold at many shags.

The money-making parties held for soon-to-be newly weds often feature raffles for prizes. But it’s a practice that, while rarely if ever enforced, is illegal. The complaint has led the AGCO to warn hall owners about the legality of raffling off prizes at non-charitable events.

MPP Michael Gravelle (Lib., Thunder Bay – Superior North) said many constituents have been looking for clarity on what rules are in place and how they will be enforced. He said he recognizes that it is a big issue for many area residents, and therefore, his office is now researching the matter in order to try and provide some answers.

A spokesperson with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission confirmed Tuesday that their officers and the police will be doing inspections at shags to check if tickets are being sold for prizes.

Ab Campion, of the AGCO, said they will also be doing a public education program to ensure that shag hosts and local halls understand the laws forbidding raffles at such events.

He said anyone who believes they may have found a loophole by using skill-testing questions or games should consult a lawyer beforehand.

Campion added that anyone caught running a shag with illegal gaming could have it shut down, and a hall with numerous infractions could be denied a renewal of its liquor license.