An Ontario law that stipulated that liquor must remain in licensed areas of bars, putting people - particularly women in danger of sexual predators, was changed on Thursday and the amendment named for the news reporter who highlighted the problem.
Dubbed the "Hayes Amendment" in recognition of Tom Hayes' series of reports that started in 2005, the legal change allows bar owners to apply for a liquor license to cover areas such as the washrooms.
Under the old system, bar patrons were forced to leave drinks unattended outside washrooms and smoking areas. That made the drinks susceptible to tampering with so-called date-rape drugs. A drink spiked with one of these drugs can leave a victim defenceless.
On Thursday, Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips kicked-off the new liquor licensing system at The Courthouse Lounge in downtown Toronto.
Phillips said that Hayes' series of reports pushed him along towards making the changes.
"That clearly highlighted that this is an issue of importance, particularly to women," Phillips said.
"So the voice was helpful and was heard and we sort of refer to it as the Hayes Amendment and now it's reality."
Bar owners have been lobbying the government for years to get changes to the liquor laws. But their efforts seemingly fell on deaf ears.
In 2005, The Courthouse Lounge owner Nick Di Dinato said, "we're forced to really enforce a law that we don't believe is really good for our customers."
But very few bars have taken advantage of the new permit, despite the change being announced last fall. The government expects about 4,000 bars province-wide to apply will apply in the next few months.
Di Donato said he expects more bars will do the same because customers will demand it.
With a report from CTV's Paul Bliss and files from The Canadian Press
