Consumption of Alcohol in Outdoor Spaces

The Town of White City is introducing a pilot program allowing the consumption of beverage alcohol in designated outdoor spaces. This initiative follows the passing of Bill 124 by the Government of Saskatchewan, which enables municipalities to designate specific public areas for alcohol consumption. White City Town Council passed Bylaw No. 694-23, The Consumption of Beverage Alcohol in Designated Outdoor Spaces Bylaw, during a special council meeting on June 29, 2023, to implement the program.

The pilot program will be in effect from May 1 to September 30, allowing for the consumption of beverage alcohol in designated spaces within Serbu Park.

It is essential to note that consumption is permitted only during specific events sanctioned by the Town, including:

• the White City Slo-Pitch League;
• White City Council Barbeque, and
• White City Movie in the Park.

Consumption is only allowed between thirty (30) minutes prior to the event start time and thirty (30) minutes after the event end time. These times must fall within the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Consumption outside of these designated hours is strictly prohibited. These events will provide an opportunity for residents to bring their own beverage alcohol and enjoy it in designated spaces within Serbu Park.

Bylaw 694-23 outlines several regulations related to the pilot program, specifically:

• No minor, individuals under the age of nineteen (19), shall consume or be in possession of beverage alcohol within the designated spaces.
• No person or entity shall vend, sell or distribute beverage alcohol in any permitted spaces. This means no sharing with friends, as per The Liquor and Gaming Regulations.
• No alcohol in glass containers.

The Town of White City has implemented these measures to strike a balance between allowing responsible enjoyment of beverage alcohol and maintaining a safe and family-friendly atmosphere in Serbu Park. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these regulations.

In October 2023, the Town of White City will conduct a comprehensive review to evaluate the success of the bylaw. This review aims to gather feedback and analyze various criteria to determine the program's effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments. The review process will include:

1. Public Consultation: The Town will engage in public consultation to gauge public perception and support or disapproval of the bylaw. Feedback will be actively sought from residents, community organizations, and stakeholders.

2. Incident Reporting: The Town's Community Safety Officer and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will track and report the number of incidents related to the consumption of alcohol in designated spaces. This data will provide insights into the program's impact on public safety.

3. Charges and Enforcement: The Town's Community Safety Officer and the RCMP will monitor the number of charges laid in relation to the pilot program. This information will contribute to assessing compliance and enforcement measures.

4. Identifying Issues: Administration and the public will be encouraged to report any issues or concerns that arise during the six-month pilot period. These reports will assist in identifying areas of improvement and potential amendments to the bylaw.

The bylaw itself can be accessed for reference here. The Town of White City values community feedback and encourages residents and stakeholders to participate in the pilot program by providing their thoughts, suggestions, and concerns. All feedback can be submitted through this page or by emailing the Town directly at townoffice@whitecity.ca.

By engaging in this inclusive and transparent engagement process the Town of White City aims to ensure that community members are involved in shaping the future of alcohol consumption in outdoor spaces. Your participation is vital in helping us create a safe and enjoyable environment for all residents.