A pilot program that allows open alcohol consumption on select Penticton beaches has been made permanent.
On Tuesday, Penticton council voted unanimously in support of staff’s recommendation.
The program was first introduced in 2020 in an effort to support local restaurants and breweries and outdoor family gatherings during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The initial year was very positively received and continued for 2021 and 2022 as pilot years,” said Blake Laven, the city’s director development services.
“Similarly in both those years, the program was positively received with very few negative instances.”
Now that the bylaw has been given first, second and third readings, city council won't need to adopt the bylaw each year.
Overall, few issues have been reported and there was general support from the Downtown Penticton Association, the chamber, Travel Penticton as well as bylaw and police officers.
In addition to the program becoming permanent, the areas that allow alcohol consumption have been expanded.
The program will also end an hour later at 9 pm.
Next steps will see council formally adopt the bylaw in a future meeting.
