Richmond city council voted narrowly to look into allowing drinking in city parks this summer.
The pilot project was suggested by Coun. Kash Heed, saying it’s something that’s already happening in Richmond.
While some councillors supported it – albeit hesitantly – Coun. Bill McNulty spoke adamantly against drinking in parks.
He said he didn’t want to be a “copycat,” referring to the fact most Lower Mainland municipalities such as Vancouver, New Westminster and North Vancouver, have allowed alcohol consumption in parks in recent years.
“Just because someone else has done it doesn’t necessarily mean we have to do it,” McNulty told the community safety committee on Tuesday.
“I don’t want to be walking through a park or picnicking next to somebody who’s consuming alcohol,” he added.
He questioned what the message allowing drinking in parks would send and cautioned it could encourage drinking and driving.
Coun. Carol Day, on the other hand, said it’s time to “get creative and make Richmond a little more fun.”
Furthermore, she said allowing alcohol consumption would support family events, given that many people live in condos and can’t host large family gatherings indoors.
“Let’s move on with the times and be more modern,” she said.
Coun. Laura Gillanders noted people have been drinking in parks “forever in a very responsible way” even though it’s against the law.
“I don’t want our good law-abiding citizens to keep feeling like they’re breaking the law by doing something that’s very reasonable,” she added.
City staff were tasked with looking into creating a pilot project and reporting back to city council.
