City’s one kilometre rule between new booze vendors a ‘responsible decision,’ say liquor stores

KAMLOOPS – Liquor vendors “feel comfortable" after a city decision to create a one kilometre buffer between new liquor outlets.

Al Deacon, owner of Fox’n Hounds pub and Fox’n Hounds Sahali Liquor Store, says the city’s determination to rethink the buffer rule was the right thing to do.

“It's a responsible decision,” he says. “We’re not opposed to wine being sold through grocery stores, we just want it to go through the same process.”

Deacon says without a one kilometre rule grocery stores would not have to apply through the city for a permit and now there is an even playing field.

City council had originally voted against a one kilometer rule, only to have the matter re-voted on during its last regular meeting, Aug. 18. Coun. Pat Wallace changed her initial vote changing the outcome in favour of the rule.

Local wineries and wine associations were very outspoken about their opposition to creating a one kilometre buffer. They were equally as outspoken after the decision was reversed.

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