Have your say on Vernon Mixed Martial Arts ban

VERNON – This is your chance to tell Vernon City Hall what you think about a ban on Mixed Martial Arts.

The city is providing an opportunity for public input Monday at the start of its regular council meeting.

The city has already given first readings to the bylaw — which would ban professional MMA events — and after the input session, the next step is adoption.

Council wants to ban professional MMA contests because of allegations the sport is linked to organized crime and because of the danger to participants.

MMA proponents spoke out against those points, saying council’s remarks are uninformed and offensive.

Council decided not to include amateur MMA events under the bylaw because it didn't want to limit opportunities for youth and because those activities are already regulated by the B.C. Athletic Commissioner.

The council meeting begins at 1:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall. 

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.