COLD LAKE – Residents in the City of Cold Lake may be allowed to enjoy a cold one while enjoying a meal at the park.
The city is considering allowing the consumption of alcohol in picnic areas the municipality owns following an amendment to the provincial Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act in June, which previously stated that municipalities could designate areas of public parks for the consumption of alcohol with food.
Now, the province has removed the requirement that alcohol only be permitted when consumed with food.
“The general rule is that liquor cannot and shouldn’t be consumed in most public places,” said Mayor Craig Copeland in a press release. “We’re not considering allowing parties in the parks or large public gatherings with liquor or anything of the sort. But for example, if responsible people wanted to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine in a designated area of a public park while having a picnic or watching the sun set, this amendment allows us to consider allowing that in City parks.”
The Act requires municipalities designate specific areas of the park and times of the day when alcohol can be consumed. Signage would be required that explicitly states when and where it is allowed.
All other laws regarding public intoxication, littering, cannabis use, among others, would continue to be enforced to ensure all residents and visitors are still able to enjoy Cold Lake parks.
City council will discuss the changes to the Act and possible implementation of designated liquor consumption zones at an upcoming meeting.
