Ban on taxis in drive-thru liquor lanes part of wider debate

“There are some members of the public that would like to express their opinion if there were another ask in our community for a drive-thru liquor establishment,” he told council on Monday.

The city’s downtown area is the site of one such existing establishment, Georgie’s Beer and Wine Store.

And among those who have been working to reinforce positive perceptions of this area, the bylaw is being welcomed.

Main Street Prince Albert’s Bob Gill said he likes the concept the city is considering right now.

“Naturally, the less liquor that’s around anywhere where there’s public involved, the better off it is…So it’s just one way of eliminating a little bit less easier access to alcohol for minor-age people,” he said.

While Main Street Prince Albert doesn’t feel downtown has a negative image associated with it, according to Gill, over the years, some people may have felt there is such a perception.

“So, it’s something we’re working hard to alleviate, and so, if liquor is one of the concerns that people are concerned about in the downtown area, this will only help.”

To Coun. Lee Atkinson, the closure of two downtown bars, Mica’s Lounge and Suzie Cue’s, as well as the National Hotel’s scaled-back hours of operation, may have more of an impact on those perceptions.

“So, I think those three things are a positive for the downtown,” he said on Tuesday. “And some people have suggested that even the downtown might improve if we were to relocate… or if it was possible to relocate the existing Sask Liquor control board [store].”

The city and the province have discussed this latter possibility at different times, Atkinson said. But officials have also had their eye on the example of Edmonton, which removed high-alcohol, low-cost products from the shelves in problem areas, Atkinson noted.

“So, there are strategies that can make differences, and I think all these things collectively might help with some of these problems that we see resulting from over consumption of alcohol and other things,” he said.

The HUB and the COR [Centre of Responsibility], and other stakeholders, are looking at creating an alcohol strategy. As well, the city has asked Sask Liquor and Gaming to fund a liquor inspector for the northern half of the province, Atkinson pointed out.

Council will make their final decision on the taxi bylaw change at the April 7 meeting.

tjames@panow.com

On Twitter: @thiajames

by Thia James

Ban on taxis in drive-thru liquor lanes part of wider debate

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