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liquor license

A class A liquor licence application by the developers of the Pinnacle International Resort in Village North sparked a discussion among council members Monday about how many licensed establishments Whistler can support.

A class A liquor licence application by the developers of the Pinnacle International Resort in Village North sparked a discussion among council members Monday about how many licensed establishments Whistler can support. Councillor Max Kirkpatrick noted that there are now up to 83 liquor outlets in Whistler and asked if anyone has any idea how many more are to come. Tony Evans, director of public safety, replied that it is an issue that has to be addressed, but in the context of the whole resort. Kirkpatrick referred to a story in the Vancouver Sun which suggested too many licensed establishments can lead to bars trying to undercut one another in drink prices, which in turn can lead to social problems inherent in excessive drinking. Mayor Ted Nebbeling noted that the municipality "had a relationship with the local industry, that we don’t have cheap drink nights." Nebbeling didn’t know if the agreement was still in effect but agreed cheap drinks could become an issue as competition for patrons in the village increases. However, he also noted that the Village North properties had been zoned by council and within the zoning was provision for licensed establishments. A representative of the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch will discuss the matter of licences with council in the future. Municipal governments are consulted by the Liquor Licensing Branch on applications for liquor licences but it is the province that decides whether or not to grant a licence.