Downtown Salmon Arm association wants council to allow alcohol consumption on city owned land

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The Salmon Arm Downtown Improvement Association is endorsing the idea of public alcohol consumption on city land (as long as it's responsible).

Spurred by the debate in Penticton, the association's board has voted to support the idea, in particular in the city's downtown at Alexander Plaza (a temporary plaza set up on Alexander Street).

"We are fortunate to have a variety of locally owned breweries, distilleries and wineries. With the current regulations, our local producers are only able to sample their products but not sell in public spaces," states the association's manager Lindsay Wong in a letter to council. "This opportunity would provide the public with an option to purchase a locally crafted beverage to enjoy on Alexander Plaza."

Wong recently had a conversation with a City of Penticton staff member about the topic, and lists some supporting ideas which came out of that, including creating a map of places that would make sense to allow it, creating a trial period and using call-in system already in place called "See something, say something."

She also mentions that police in Penticton "were not thrilled."

The City of Vernon also toyed with the idea of allowing alcohol consumption in public, but city council turned down the proposal last month.

Salmon Arm Council will discuss the letter at their meeting today, but no motion is on the table currently, aside from receiving the letter.