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The idea of legalizing the use of alcohol on public beaches has a few municipalities dipping a toe in the water, but people in Kelowna's City park appear to be ready to jump in.
It's being tried in the City of North Vancouver and in Penticton, but is Kelowna ready?
Alcohol is already fairly common on our beaches, and some people argue that open consumption may encourage a greater quantity of consumption.
"Are those drinkers wanting more than two?" questioned one woman enjoying a waterfront stroll in Kelowna. "I think that will become the problem."
But most people we spoke to feel the time has come to make it legal.
"If people are going to drink, they're going to drink," said a woman pushing a child in a stroller along the beachfront in Kelowna City Park, "I think people will be more respectful if they know that it's allowed."
"Open it up, you bet," said a Kelowna man out for a cycle.
In Penticton, the legal beach drinking is a pilot project restricted noon to 8 pm at certain beaches until July 4. North Vancouver City Council has approved drinking in public parks as a response to the circumstances of the pandemic.
Mayor Linda Buchanan said people need a chance to connect with each other while physical distancing.
I’m pleased that Council passed a bylaw tonight to allow for the consumption of alcohol in certain public places including City parks!
— Mayor Linda Buchanan (@LindaCBuchanan) June 2, 2020
This summer we need to find new ways to connect while distancing. This is just one way we’re working to make #NorthVan a city for people. https://t.co/NqZjVnqOaf
The idea is also under consideration by the city of Vancouver. We asked the City of Kelowna if the idea is under consideration and the short answer is 'no'.
But it's a good bet that the success or failure of the pilot project in Penticton will likely be given a lot of attention if and when the idea is put before Kelowna city council.
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