BANFF – No alcohol will be for sale in Banff after 10 p.m. in the coming weeks as the municipality tries to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Town of Banff had already passed a temporary bylaw on Nov. 30 forcing liquor and cannabis stores to close at 10 p.m., which became effective on Dec. 3.
However, following an in-camera session on Monday (Dec. 14), council decided to also prevent restaurants and bars from selling liquor beyond 10 p.m. as part of their takeout, curb-side pickup and delivery services.
Councillor Chip Olver voiced strong support for such a move, saying she believes reducing the availability of alcohol is in the best interests of community safety given the number of active COVID-19 case counts, which sat at 67 on Tuesday (Dec. 15).
“I think late-night consumption of alcohol can lead people to lowering their inhibitions and perhaps feeling more comfortable with social gatherings,” she said.
“Sometimes late-night consumption of alcohol can make you think you need to go get some more, so you can continue whatever party or socializing that you’re at.”
Alison Gerrits, the acting director of emergency management for the Town of Banff, also told council that Banff RCMP had been called to incidents at local hotels involving alcohol, both domestic disputes and otherwise.
“Upon response from the RCMP, it’s determined there’s some kind of dispute … where alcohol has been a factor and violence has ensued as a result,” Gerrits said.
The provincial government closed bars and restaurants to in-person dining, effective Dec. 13, for at least four weeks. They can still offer takeout, curb-side pickup and delivery services. Hotels and ski hills in Banff remain open.
Coun. Peter Poole was the councillor who initially raised the issue of bars and restaurants having no restrictions on operating hours for their takeout and delivery of liquor.
“Given restaurants have been allowed to sell, from my understanding, wine and beer and alcohol with their takeout, if our intent is to restrict that sale at this time, I think we might be wise to adjust elements of the bylaw,” he said.
“I wouldn’t want to create a loophole where suddenly we thought we were extending this, and then suddenly we were creating a loophole that relaxes the bylaw.”
Coun. Corrie DiManno was in favour of amending the bylaw too.
“It helps with consistency in terms of what we have in terms of retail with liquor and cannabis. I think it tightens up any loopholes that may be out there," DiManno said.
"This holiday season is going to be a real test of following the rules so we just need to turn into that little town from Footloose for just a few weeks here and keep everyone safe," she added in reference to the 1984 movie Footloose starring Kevin Bacon, in which dancing was banned as a way to prevent heavy drinking.
Banff’s temporary bylaw on commercial business restrictions is in effect until Jan. 11 – the same day the Alberta government hopes to lift its restrictions if the COVID-19 case count, hospitalizations and deaths province-wide drop significantly.
As of Dec. 14, there are 20,649 active cases in Alberta, with 742 people in hospital, including 137 in intensive care. The COVID-19 death toll has reached 744.
In the Banff and Lake Louise region, which remains on enhanced status, there were 67 active cases as of Dec. 15, down from a high of 192 on Nov. 30.
