FORT FRANCES — The town council has updated its municipal alcohol policy, which will allow a beer garden to be set up at the arena.
During a recent council meeting, Fort Frances finalized its updated municipal alcohol policy (MAP) after it was found to be considerably outdated.
In July, Fort Frances Lakers head coach Tyler Miller spoke to council about the sale of alcohol during games. The current policy prohibits alcohol at sports events involving minors.
During Miller's deputation, council directed staff to review the policy and bring to council a report analysing any gaps the policy has before expanding the sale of alcohol during minor league sporting events.
Clerk Gabrielle Lecuyer wrote in a report that the policy dates back to 1995 with a detailed review conducted in July 2018 and later slightly amended in 2022.
A public survey was issued by the town on Sept. 21 and it closes on Wednesday. Although the survey wasn’t completely finished, as of Sept. 25, 774 people responded to the survey and 70 per cent supported the sale of alcohol at the arena.
The alternative venues that were also suggested are the auditorium and theatre, Rainy Lake Square, public outdoor parks, the beachfront, the seniors' centre, outdoor rinks, and the Museum.
The updated policy has included these venues, in addition to Sunny Cove Camp and Point Park.
The Memorial Sports Centre will have a permit designated for alcohol use, excluding the dressing room and on the ice when ice is in, but alcohol can be sold in the auditorium and the grounds.
Therefore, the sale of alcohol in the parking lot of the Memorial Sports Centre is permitted only if there is an event being held. Events are more regulated in terms of where the public can purchase alcohol and the policy control mechanisms such as placing a four-drink maximum, obtaining alcohol through the purchase of drink tickets, and providing low-alcohol content beverages.
However, the Memorial Sports Centre ground does not include tailgate parties.
“We found it extremely challenging when it came time to tailgate events where it's not one area where there would be sales above all where you can you have the ability to control consumption. People have the ability to bring in their own on-site. So, it makes it very challenging in terms of trying to stay with health regulations and our policy as well,” said Lecuyer.
Council unanimously accepted the updated municipal alcohol policy and directed staff to create a by-law to be presented at a later council meeting.
