Squamish could become a more inviting place this time next year, if entrepreneurial-minded individuals step up to take advantage of a special 2010 liquor permit.
The province sent out an invitation to VANOC and its partners to apply for licenses to serve alcohol in Olympic-related municipalities, among them Squamish, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond. And thelicenses have substantially looser regulations than currently allowed. They would permit hospitality venues to serve alcohol from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m., and allow minors on site.
The licenses would be issued only to VANOC and its partners, including sponsors, the International Olympic Committee, national and international sport organizations and the International Paralympic Committee, who are expected to set up temporary hospitality tents where they may want to serve alcohol.
VANOC declined to comment on potential plans for Squamish.
The possibility of such venues causes concern for the District of Squamish, said Mayor Greg Gardner.
"Any time there is a celebration in Squamish, we look at it actively because quite often there are additional costs to the District of Squamish, often the most significant one being security," he said. "So it is something that we will be paying attention to."
Cindy Stephenson of Liquor Control and Licensing said there are measures in place to address potential problems with security.
"Our liquor inspectors will be responsible for monitoring compliance for all Olympic/Paralympic licensed premises," she said. "These licensees will also have to post a $50,000 security bond in the event that any monetary penalties are imposed if they contravene the act or regulations."
Stephenson said the Liquor Control general manager could also impose restrictions on allowing minors on site.
"They wouldn't be allowed if the venue was being operated as a nightclub, for example."
Licensing authorities must also confer with municipalities before issuing licenses, she said.
"Local governments will be given an opportunity to provide written comment on proposed hours of liquor service, the potential for noise, and the impact on the community, for any applications within their jurisdiction."
However, Squamish council members are not yet in the loop, said Gardner.
"I've heard about it generally in discussions but I have not been briefed by District of Squamish staff, so I'm not clear on the specifics."
That may be because Squamish applications have yet to come in, said Stephenson.
Organizations can apply for the licence beginning April 1, and it will be available from December 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010. Existing bars or restaurants located within the eligible areas can temporarily suspend their licences and lease their premises to an eligible Olympic/Paralympic licensee.
