By James Bowler

Prince Albert’s mayor says early bars on Sunday “way off base”

Feb 22, 2014 | 10:41 AM

Some may be drinking at their local bar on Sunday morning when Canada plays for gold in hockey, but that’s not the case in Prince Albert.

A recent announcement from the provincial government allowed liquor licensed establishments to open early Sunday morning, at 5:30 a.m., for the Canada vs. Sweden Olympic gold medal game.

After originally looking for province wide approval, Prince Albert was excluded following consultation with their administration and police service, according to Kathy Young, executive director of communications with the province.

On Saturday morning, Prince Albert’s mayor said he is irked by this. 

Mayor Greg Dionne said a decision like this should be brought to council and since the game falls a day before the next council meeting he didn’t feel right saying yes.

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“I made that decision because it’s a council decision and our next council meeting is Monday,” said Dionne.

He told paNOW the letter from the SLGA asking for the City's decision on opening bars early came in on Friday. Dionne said it was passed onto his office from City staff.

“What surprises me is, we’ve always wanted to have a say in the hours of operation for the bars and the province won’t give it to us.”

He said it’s convenient in this case for the province to suddenly be handing the decision over to the city.

“It’s a knee jerk reaction.”

Dionne said that some constituents in the city have applauded his decision to keep the bars closed as well.

“I’ve been getting a very positive response from our community,” said Dionne. “First I’ve gotten a couple of calls from church leaders that are appalled at the province for opening the bars on a Sunday morning.”

“Out of respect we don’t open our retail stores till 11 or 12 when church is done. I think the government on this subject is way off base.”

Prince Albert continues to attempt to deal with alcohol-related issues in and around the city through focus group-led strategy meetings involving both community leaders and residents.

jbowler@panow.com

On Twitter: @journalistjim