Drinking alcohol allowed in seven Port Coquitlam parks
Posted June 26, 2020 1:04 pm.
Last Updated June 26, 2020 4:10 pm.
PORT COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) — Adults in Port Coquitlam can now end the workweek by enjoying a beer or cider at one of seven municipal parks.
Council has approved a pilot project Thursday giving people the right to consume alcohol in Castle, Gates, Lions, Aggie, Evergreen, and Cedar Drive parks, as well as part of Settlers Park from dawn to dusk until Oct. 31. The sites were selected because they have washrooms, picnic tables or shelters, and are being inspected at least weekly or biweekly.
The RCMP, parks staff, and bylaw officers will monitor the sites and respond to complaints, according to the city.
“This change will give our residents that are gathering with friends and families for a picnic or celebrating a special occasion the opportunity to enjoy a beverage outdoors safely and responsibly,” Mayor Brad West says in a release. “We’re happy to take a common-sense approach here as it’s something our residents have been asking for and already happens around the world.”
Adults can now enjoy a cold brew – legally & responsibly – at 7 #PortCoquitlam parks.
Council finalized regulatory changes to permit 4 month pilot project allowing responsible liquor consumption by adults.
Feedback at https://t.co/vExdwncr5j.
Details https://t.co/YXXVTXXtSn. pic.twitter.com/U5f54ne6gr— City of Port Coquitlam (@CityofPoCo) June 26, 2020
Port Coquitlam joins North Vancouver as among the first cities in Metro Vancouver to permit drinking in parks as a way of encouraging people to spend more time outdoors.
Vancouver council, earlier this week, directed staff to develop a bylaw allowing the same.
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Under B.C.’s Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation, municipalities may pass bylaws specifying where and when liquor can be consumed in public.
After the pilot ends, staff will recommend whether to continue the initiative in the existing locations, expand it to other parks, or cancel it altogether.
