Kelowna

Cracking a cold one will soon take on a whole new meaning for hockey fans in the Rutland Arena.

That 'cold one' will include beer, not just your favourite soft drink.

Kelowna Council Monday approved a rezoning application in order to support a new liquor primary licence for the Rutland Arena.

The rezoning application was necessary because the capacity of the arena is more than 100 people.

Urban Land Use Manager, Danielle Noble, told council there are no other liquor establishments within the area.

"The proposal is not entirely consistent with Council Policy 359 as it proposes a liquor primary licence in excess of 100 persons for a property that is not located in an urban centre," says Noble.

"However, this policy was targeted at private liquor primary establishments and is intended to centralize larger establishments that are open late throughout the week within the city's urban centres."

Noble says the sale of alcohol would cease 20 minutes before the end of each game, approximately 9:45 p.m.

This means hockey fans will be able to consume beer, purchased in the arena, in the stands.

The proposal must still pass through a public hearing.