Visitors can sip on booze while watching Music in the Park in Kamloops
Music in the park is kicking off for the summer in various districts in Kamloops and the Okanagan, and this year viewers in the Tournament Capital will be allowed to bring their own booze.
A pilot program launched by the City is allowing responsible liquor consumption in a designated area of Riverside Park after counsel adopted an amendment to a Parks and Public Lands Bylaw earlier this month, according to a news release by the City of Kamloops issued June 30.
The Responsible Liquor Consumption Pilot allows drinking in a large area surrounding the bandshell that is a popular place for picnicking. Other cities like Kelowna and Penticton, along with some in the Lower Mainland, already have similar bylaws in place.
What is not allowed is intoxication, and anyone breaking the rules will be directed dispose of their liquor by RCMP and Community Service Officers and could face a $100 fine for a first offense, and $200 fines for subsequent offences.
“This pilot program reflects a thoughtful approach to modern urban park use,” said the City’s Business Operations and Special Event Supervisor Andrew Smeaton in the release. “By allowing responsible liquor consumption in a controlled setting, we are committed to educating the public on safe consumption practices while fostering a sense of shared community space.”
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The pilot will be in effect from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. until October 1, except during private bookings of the bandshell area and community events including Canada Day, Kamloops International Buskers Festival, and the Kamloops Daybreak Rotary Ribfest.
The City will monitor the pilot program and gather feedback from enforcement personnel, community partners, event organizers, and the public over the summer which will be taken into consideration when the project summary in presented to council in the fall.
Go here for more information on the pilot project.
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