Vernon RCMP have begun a new program to ensure local bars, pubs and niteclubs are following the rules. The Integrated Bar Inspection Team involves police officers, the fire department, a liquor inspector and city bylaw officers making random, unannounced visits to liquor establishments. Corporal Henry Proce says the goal is to maintain a safe environment for patrons, staff, citizens and other businesses. "They (the IBIT team) will be looking for compliance on such things as capacity, over-serving, minors in a licensed premise, criminal activities.The fire people will be looking at the fire exits to make sure they're clear. That sort of thing. The liquor inspector will be looking for infractions under the Liquor Licensing Control Act." Eight Vernon establishments were checked on Friday night, and five didn't have their liquor license properly displayed. They were all given warnings, but a $1,000 fine and a three day bar closure could result for future violations. Other infractions included no floor plan at two places, and two intoxicated patrons were asked to leave the Kal Sports Bar. Proce says two clubs, Boomer's and Moe's, were totally in compliance.
City Bylaw Manager Clint Kanester says the program has the cooperation of the bar owners and operators. "I think in most cases they're actually quite happy to have higher police or enforcement presence going through their facility because it does send a message to their customers that we are going to be around." The patrols will continue into the summer on a random basis throughout the North Okanagan.
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