Lewis noted that the code of conduct does not explicitly state anything about councillors drinking during meetings but the code of conduct does make mention of councillors’ decorum.

John Mascarin, a Toronto lawyer who specializes in municipal politics, said that it would likely be irrelevant that it was not explicitly stated. “You would expect a council member who’s attending a formal meeting at which decisions will be made to treat it with the proper modicum of respect. That would include being properly attired, not using any profane language, and likely, most people would say, not consuming alcoholic beverages.”