Should more B.C. municipalities follow Penticton's lead and allow alcohol consumption on select public beaches and parks?

Photo: Contributed

Businesses in West Kelowna would like to see public drinking legalized in some Westside parks and beaches.

The Greater Westside Board of Trade has written to West Kelowna city council to urge the municipality to follow in the steps of Penticton and Vancouver next year.

“With the new regulations allowing restaurants and pubs with their take outs service to offer single serve alcohol such as beer, wine or cocktail we need to create spaces for this to be enjoyed,” said Heather Robinson, executive director, Greater Westside Board of Trade.

Robinson said the change would help support the beleaguered local tourism and hospitality sector.

“We need to have outdoor areas allocated to our community and tourists to be able to enjoy our beautiful beaches and parts while support these businesses,” she said in her letter.

The City of Penticton will allow drinking on certain beaches and waterfront parks next spring and summer for a third year, although the municipality is still calling it a “pilot program.”

When Penticton council approved the program in November for its third year, they noted it has been generally well received, although it has not operated during a “normal summer.”

West Kelowna city council will receive the local chamber's request at Tuesday's regular meeting.

In her letter, Robinson said the chamber hopes to meet and discuss the proposal with council.

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