Turning the Ross Street Patio into an entertainment district allowing public alcohol consumption would give the downtown a boost, says the Downtown Business Association (DBA).
The DBA sent a letter to city council in March requesting the city become one of the first, if not the first, Alberta municipality to create an entertainment district.
City inspections and licensing staff said a new bylaw would be needed and are asking council to provide some feedback at its Monday meeting.
The province opened the door to the districts after passing legislation in December amending the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act to allow drinking in public areas outside licensed premises while enjoying music or other entertainment.
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As it stands, people can only drink on the patios of the local restaurants and bars next to the Ross Street Patio.
“Although there is regular entertainment on RSP (Ross Street Patio), it somewhat stifles the businesses due to these restrictions,” says the DBA’s letter. “The RSP is organically becoming an entertainment district and if alcohol were allowed to be consumed on the patio, it would be a considerable attraction to visitors and further solidify this part of the downtown as a location for entertainment.”
The DBA says it has been working with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis to get approval for a local brewery to distribute samples as part of the launch of a limited edition Ross Street Patio beer. However, navigating the red tape has proven tricky.
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If an entertainment district bylaw was created, the city could issue a special event permit and the rest would be regulated under the bylaw.
The DBA says council might also want to consider the alley behind the Ross Street Patio as another entertainment district.
“With the recent addition of lighting, music and murals plus the restaurants’ ability to serve from the rear of their establishments, it increases the ability of the DBA to encourage use of this area as an event space.”
City inspections and licensing staff said there are some issues that could arise, such as increased litter, unruly behaviour and the potential for drinking to spill over into nearby areas, which might also pose safety issues because of traffic.
Creating a district may mean the city will have to deal with issues, such as enforcement, cleanup, security and signage.
The bylaw will outline hours of operation, location, fees and limits on containers, such as not allowing glass.