Quote:
Originally Posted by Innsertnamehere
I wouldn’t say that. I’d argue aspects of Toronto’s conservatism still permeate today, though less so as each year passes. I mean Sunday shopping was illegal until the 90’s! Even until a few years ago alcohol sales were limited to government outlets that mostly closed at 10pm and had limited locations.. even today, you can’t buy alcohol in corner stores, or late at night, even if grocery stores largely sell it now. Bars still close at 2am almost uniformly, even if there are select 4am closes for special events (again, quite a new thing). I think the difference is even illustrated in. Quebec’s lower drinking age of 18, though 19 being the drinking age in Ontario would still be quite aggressive by American standards.
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In spite of what's been said by others, I don't think it's entirely true that the whole story is that of freewheeling Toronto being held back by the teetotalling rest of Ontario. Only very small parts of Ontario would have very prohibitionist views on alcohol and Toronto has by far the largest population and the most seats in the legislature, and even moreso when you count the GTA and Golden Horseshoe. Attitudes towards alcohol aren't significantly different in Ottawa (certainly not, being right next to Quebec), London or Windsor, or even Kingston, than they are in Toronto.
Plus the City of Toronto has some authority itself when it comes to regulating alcohol use, and hasn't really loosened things up that much itself.
Generally speaking, Toronto can best be described as a "sensible" city. For a lot of people, that's actually a good thing.