Support liquor policy review?

Re-introduction of soft closings and support of the TreoScope identification system are two of several recommendations laid out as part of Kelowna's Liquor Policy Review.

A review of the city's current liquor policies has been underway since late last year.

City Council will get a chance to review the 13 recommendations before the document is reviewed by affected stakeholders including the liquor industry, RCMP, Liquor Control and Licensing Branch along with the city.

RCMP Superintendent, Bill McKinnon, has long been a proponent of many of the recommendations contained within the report.

"We are very supportive of both (soft closings and TreoScope). With TreoScope, in the places we have, the number of complaints have been reduced," says McKinnon.

"The people that are apt to be causing problems don't like going through the security or being accounted for. It has reduced the number of incidents."

As for soft closings which would allow bars and clubs to remain open past 2 a.m. without serving alcohol, McKinnon says it allows people to leave at a more leisurely pace, thus avoid the so called 'Bar Flush.'

"Upon departure, the lights are slowly brought up and it involves even the music that's played so when people do leave, they're not revved up upon departure."

Filled to capacity, the eight downtown establishments that have 2 a.m. closing times, can send close to 2,500 people out onto the streets at closing time.

It is being recommended that soft closings resume for the 2011 tourist season.

Other recommendations being put forth include lobbying for increased late-night taxi service and pursuing improvements to the taxi stand program, exploring the feasibility of other late-night public transportation options, supporting development of a Bar Owner's Association and BarWatch program, enhancing the application process and increasing awareness of Kelowna's entertainment areas as safe, vibrant areas.

Council will receive the report Monday afternoon.