Following a pilot program, Summerland will now allow liquor consumption at designated public beaches to continue indefinitely.
The decision was made at the Summerland council meeting on March 4, and follows two years of trial seasons.
The regulation allows reasonable liquor consumption at Peach Orchard Beach, Rotary Beach and Powell Beach from noon to 9 p.m.
Trial seasons were held at these three beaches in June, July, and August 2023 and from April to October 2024.
The Summerland Chamber of Commerce/Destination Summerland asked council to continue the initiative indefinitely.
鈥淭he project extends a warm and welcoming message to our visitors and community, and there were no negative issues reported to Destination and the Summerland Chamber of Commerce,鈥� Sally Pierce, executive director of the chamber said in a letter to council.
In a report to council, Lori Mullin, director of community services, said municipal staff contacted the RCMP, bylaw, the fire department and park staff to ask if there were any concerns from the pilot project. No major issues were documented.
