Ponoka News, December 05, 2012

Page 1

Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2008 Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012

Vol. 64, No. 48

403-783-3311

editorial@ponokanews.com

www.ponokanews.com

DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION OF PONOKA

Booze sales bylaw receives first reading By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Nativity scene, gingerbread house style: Eric Shin admires the gingerbread creations on display at St. Augustine School during the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce children’s Christmas shopping party Dec. 1. More photos on page 8. Photo by Amelia Naismith

A bylaw restricting liquor store hours was given first reading at the Nov. 27 town council meeting. The proposal is the same as Wetaskiwin’s, which was passed in 2009, explained CAO Brad Watson. “Since that time word has come that the town has been receiving a possible spin-off from the City of Wetaskiwin.” The proposal states, “Patrons are now visiting the neighbouring communities whose business hours match their needs.” It also explains that Ponoka RCMP have expressed a concern this is happening in town and there is a security concern. There have been several meetings on adopting this proposal over recent years and Watson said there has not been much concern over it. The bylaw would regulate the hours of operation for liquor stores, and hotel liquor off-sales from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Liquor delivery services would close at 10:30. Pawnshops would be restricted to sales from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Coun. Loanna Gulka feels it is worth speaking with businesses about the bylaw. “I think we need to do our due diligence towards the community before we make any decisions.” Coun. Rick Bonnett wants feedback on the bylaw to make it more related to Ponoka. “Maybe there’s some changes and betterments we could do that would make it a more Ponoka bylaw rather than just a copy of Wetaskiwin’s.” Coun. Doug Gill recalled a meeting with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) which

had no issues with the hours of operations for liquor establishments in town but he feels it is important to discuss the bylaw. “Closing hours were certainly not a problem for them, but since then things have changed, there’s new outlets on the horizon…I think it’s important to revisit this and do a first reading to bear out the books.” He believes input from the different stakeholders will help draft a bylaw useful for Ponoka. Liquor sales are regulated by the provincial AGLC which restricts sales from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. for liquor stores and 10 a.m. to 2:50 a.m. for hotel off-sales such as the Leland Hotel and the Royal Hotel. There are many rules for liquor sales as defined by the AGLC and some liquor storeowners feel it should not be up to the municipalities to define business hours if the AGLC already has that role. Hammy’s Spirits owner Jim Hamilton is against the proposal. “My thoughts are town council never has any business interfering in private industry.” His store is open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday. He suggests if councillors want to determine the hours for businesses they might as well consider operating hours for doctors and the RCMP, which are publicly funded. One of the issues Hamilton sees is the opening of the new Liquor Depot, which has extended hours in some cities. “Am I thrilled that there’s a new liquor store coming to town? No, but am I going to speak against it? Continued on page 3

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