Suds To Flow At CN Centre?

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C.- While it may not be unusual to raise a glass of beer while sitting in the stands of an arena  in a major centre (like the photo  at right )  that is not something  that has been allowed at the CN Centre in Prince George. Beer sales have been allowed in designated areas only during special events or hockey games but  CN Centre staff  are looking at changing that, at least for a trial  period.

It won't happen  if Councilor Bassermann has his way "I have been on record for a long time as being against alcohol sales, and I see no need to  change that."

In a request to Council, CN Centre Manager, Andy Beesley says  staff at CN Centre are looking  at ways to " increase revenue as well as continuing to meet customer demands."

Community Services Interim Manager, Colleen van Mook says the request is to see if there is an appetite to  look at this. and all events would be part of this plan,  including hockey games.

Councilor Cameron Stolz says he would like to see some very clear  information on security "Because at this point I don't think we're doing enough."

Councilor Brian Skakun says he can't support  this as  its not  about doing something just because other  cities do it.

Councilor Dave Wilbur says he has been at a number of venues which sell beer in the stands, but he did not  observe any bad behaviour.  Wilbur says he would rather  have the sale  of beer in the stands than run the risk of losing the WHL franchise.

Councilor Murry Krause says he will not support this as he has opposed liquor sales from the beginning, "I continue to hear from parents that they want to take their chldren to alcohol free  events, I don't want to see staff go through a bunch of work only to have it turned down."

Councilor Sheri Green says she can't say  yes or no until she sees what the plan is.  "Certainly there have been security issues in the past and I would like to  hear more about that , I would also like to know what we are going to serve  beer in because if we are banning bottled water,  we are still dealing with plastics."

Councilor Garth Frizzell,  says he would like to have  a draft document of the pros and cons of such  an addition and  that  approval  of the development of a plan does not mean approval of the pilot project.

Mayor Rogers says he will support the development of the plan, "The reality is we serve alcohol at that facility and we manage it pretty well." He says the reality is,"If you have enough money and can buy a suite you can have a beer, but  the average Joe can sit right below them and not have a beer."

CN  Centre staff  will now create a plan a for Council's consideration.  That plan will  include a one year pilot project that would allow  people to drink alcohol at some events in the general seating area of the CN Centre.

The proposal would include control/risk management plans, introduce additional revenue opportunities for the CN Centre, as well as outline the kind of reporting that would be done during the trial period to assess the program.  The plan is to be returned to Council for consideration on May 11th.

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