What is the Impact of Bill 10 on Security Services in Ontario?

Last Updated on Nov 12, 2025

On June 5, 2025, Ontario’s Bill 10: Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act, 2025 received Royal Assent.

One of the key goals of this legislation is to address ongoing problems with illicit drug activities in public and private spaces — including nightclubs, concert venues, and rental properties.
The law holds property owners and landlords directly responsible for illegal activities by their patrons, which has major implications for private security guards and security companies across Ontario.

Understanding Bill 10

Schedule 8 of Bill 10 specifically targets the production and trafficking of illegal drugs on commercial and residential properties.

Under this schedule, landlords and property owners can face fines up to $250,000, while corporations can face up to $1,000,000. In severe cases, jail time is also possible.

While the Bill doesn’t make security guards personally liable, it does increase the expectations placed on them to identify and respond to drug-related activities effectively — particularly in event venues, bars, and high-traffic public areas.

The Purpose of Bill 10

The sale and use of illegal drugs continue to be a growing public safety concern in Ontario. Overdoses and drug-related incidents increasingly occur in private or semi-private spaces.

Bill 10 compels landlords to take proactive measures to prevent such activities — and they’ll rely heavily on trained, licensed security guards to demonstrate “reasonable measures” under the law.

The Indirect Impact on Security Guards

Although guards aren’t directly liable, their vigilance, reporting, and documentation play a critical role in protecting landlords from prosecution.

Security guards in nightclubs, concert venues, and festivals should now:

Be proactive in recognizing signs of drug use or trafficking.
Intervene quickly and safely when violations occur.
Report all incidents to management and law enforcement.
Document incidents clearly and in detail to prove due diligence.

Failure to meet these expectations could expose employers — and by extension, clients — to serious legal consequences.

🧠 Recommended Training: Ontario Use of Force and De-Escalation Training — essential for guards working in nightlife or event environments.

Security Roles and Responsibilities Under Bill 10

Here are a few realistic scenarios illustrating how security guards may be expected to respond under Bill 10:

Scenario 1: Drug Use at a Music Festival

A guard notices a group consuming illegal substances. They must:

Direct the individuals to stop or leave.
Report to management and police immediately.
Complete detailed documentation.

Scenario 2: Drug Sales at a Sporting Event

A guard observes a transaction. They should:

Record details safely from a distance.
Notify police and await instructions.
Submit a thorough incident report.

Scenario 3: Backstage at a Live Concert

A guard sees crew members using drugs. They should:

Notify management and police.
Secure and record any evidence.
File a complete report.

New Expectations for Security Companies

Bill 10 will also reshape how Ontario security companies operate. Employers must now:

Update contracts to define guard roles and drug-related intervention protocols.
Enhance training programs focused on recognizing and handling drug activity.
Review and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Strengthen coordination with local police and bylaw enforcement.

📘 Learn more: Conflict De-Escalation for Security Guards in Ontario

Next Steps for Security Companies

To stay compliant and competitive under Bill 10, companies should:

Audit and update client contracts.
Implement specialized drug awareness and intervention training.
Establish clear incident reporting protocols.
Build collaborative relationships with law enforcement and venue management.

Next Steps for Security Guards

Frontline personnel should:

Pursue refresher training on drug recognition and intervention.
Strengthen communication, documentation, and situational awareness skills.
Understand how their actions demonstrate a landlord’s “reasonable measures.”
Maintain strong collaboration with supervisors and police.

🛡️ Enroll today: Ontario Security Guard Training Course – approved for licensing under Ontario’s PSISA.

Conclusion

While Bill 10 directly targets landlords, it indirectly transforms the responsibilities of Ontario’s private security professionals. Guards and employers alike must enhance their awareness, training, and reporting procedures to meet new expectations.

By proactively adapting, Ontario’s private security sector can protect clients, reduce liability, and help build safer communities — fulfilling both the spirit and intent of Bill 10.