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bar patron program

For the record In a story in the Sept. 10 issue of Pique regarding liquor licensing and the patron dispersal program it was stated: "Price wars last October saw two key establishments pull out of the program, Tommy Africa’s and the Savage Beagle.

For the record In a story in the Sept. 10 issue of Pique regarding liquor licensing and the patron dispersal program it was stated: "Price wars last October saw two key establishments pull out of the program, Tommy Africa’s and the Savage Beagle." Whistler bylaws chief Sandra Smith says no bar operators have officially withdrawn from the patron dispersal program since the agreement was last signed in November 1999. Current members are: Maxx Fish, the Savage Beagle, Buffalo Bill’s, Garfinkel’s, Whistler Mountain for the Garibaldi Lift Company and the Longhorn Saloon. "The Rogue Wolf was also signed on but they have now changed to Moe Joe’s and we still have to get them signed," said Smith. The annual agreement is up for renewal again in November. The patron dispersal program is essentially a gentleman’s agreement between key village bars and nightclubs that allows them to stay open an extra half hour — not to serve more liquor but to give patrons more time to leave. This stops clubs disgorging patrons into the village all at the same time. It helps reduce noise, congestion and fights. Members also agree to follow a code of responsible service and abide by a minimum drink price to avoid deep discounting and over consumption. Smith says she is not aware of any program infractions. Should a member state in writing they officially wish to opt out of the program, the bylaw department would in turn notify the provincial liquor control and licensing branch and let them know that the bar can no longer be granted the extra half an hour before closing. Some members of the Whistler Food and Beverage Association has expressed fear that drink price wars among bars trying to attract clientele in the October shoulder season will result in the patron program being compromised. o o o Also in the Sept. 10 issue of Pique a story on Ecstasy was attributed to the Sea to Sky Community Health Council. In fact, it was submitted by Mountain Community Health Alternatives. Pique apologizes for the error.