Mixed reactions follow Saskatchewan government’s plan to allow drinking in the park
Global News
Different organizations weighed in on what municipalities might do if the Saskatchewan Government passes amendments to the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act.
Excitement and uncertainness continue to build in the province as the Saskatchewan government is expecting to pass amendments to the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, allowing municipalities to control if people are permitted to drink in outdoor public places.
The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) did a poll after the similar legislation failed in the spring sitting. The poll heard from municipalities around the province asking if their municipality would like the ability to allow alcohol consumption in outdoor public places.
According to SUMA, 41 per cent of respondents said yes and close to 59 per cent said no.
SUMA cited concerns that bylaw enforcement and policing costs would be too great. “What we are understanding is the cost for both would fall on our hometowns and our municipalities,” says Randy Goulden, SUMA president.
“They are concerned about public intoxication. Many of these will be in parks where children and family’s will be interacting,” Goulden adds. “Another concern we heard was the potential for a patchwork of bylaws, so what you would be able to do in one community would be against the bylaws in another.”
These concerns aren’t uncommon. The B.C. government introduced similar legislation before the pandemic and consulted with organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Tracy Crawford is a regional manager for MADD covering Western Canada. She helped provide consultation to the B.C. government along with municipalities on practicing safe public consumption.
“We definitely requested that they increase police enforcement. Just making sure they are going around the parks to ensure everything is safe, that people are conducting themselves properly.” said Crawford.