Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2008 Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Vol. 65, No. 20
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DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION OF PONOKA
Residents speak up on business bylaw
Walking for water: Double amputee Spencer West speaks with students at Ponoka Elementary School May 9 about his 300-kilometre walk and fundraiser. Story and photo on page 16. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye Town council gave its business hours bylaw a second chance, inviting public comment on proposed revisions. A second public meeting was held May 7 at the Kinsmen Community Centre. The first meeting was held Jan. 15 — after council passed first reading on the business hours bylaw Nov. 27 — to hear from speakers including RCMP Staff Sgt. Cameron Chisholm. Mayor Larry Henkelman explained the purpose was for councillors to hear what people thought about the revised bylaw proposal. “We’re ready to listen to what you have to say this evening.” Councillors passed second reading April 23 after approving amendments to the proposal. Changes include removing pawnshops from the proposal, and allowing liquor delivery under the guidelines of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC). Another amendment allows for liquor sales and liquor off-sales during the official dates of the Ponoka Stampede. Glen McArthur was the first and only person to speak in favour of the bylaw. “I am interested in the safety issues regarding drunk driving, plain and simple.” He feels restricting the liquor sales and offsales to 10 p.m. will help prevent unplanned purchases after imbibing. A person won’t have the ability to discern whether they have had too much too drink, which could be a safety risk to other motorists. “You want to drink that’s your business. I don’t care. Where I get concerned is allowing people to drink and drive or encouraging them to go out and get another bottle rather than exercising good sense, or staying home and allowing someone to bring it to them,” said McArthur. Mark Yaworski, owner of the Leland Hotel, spoke against the bylaw and took some time to make his point. He feels people actually might stay in the bar longer because liquor stores will be closed and they may be unaware of their condition after having alcohol. Continued on page 2
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