A Vancouver park board motion to allow drinking alcohol on some beaches this summer as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic has been withdrawn.
The issue was on the schedule for Monday night at a regular park board meeting. However, spokeswoman Christine Ulmer said the motion had been withdrawn by Green commissioner Dave Demers, who put it forward. She didn’t give a reason for the decision.
Demers hasn’t responded to a request for more information. However, on Twitter on Tuesday he said he withdrew the motion because staff is already working on this measure as part of its COVID-19 reopening plan. He also said they need the province to “iron out a wrinkle or two” in its legislation and that he hopes responsible drinking on select beaches or parks will still go ahead this summer.
Last week, the City of Vancouver voted against a motion to allow alcohol in designated public spaces in a 5-5 tie.
However, council did vote in favour of a separate motion to urge the park board to allow alcohol consumption in designated parks and on beaches.
North Vancouver, meantime, has voted to allow drinking booze at parks in designated areas this summer.
More to come …