Bar Watch Program Proposed

107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 16 May 2012 09:44

The Downtown Vernon Association is urging city council to get behind the idea of a Bar Watch program.  President Ruth Hoyte says it would promote safety and security for patrons in downtown licensed establishments. She told city council, "More specifically, bar watch exists to discourage and ultimately prevent patrons from engaging in unlawful and uncivil behavior that endangers other patrons, staff, and the police." Hoyte says the voluntary program is participant driven, and works best when the establishments take ownership of it, with support from police and City Hall. Councillor Bob Spiers likes the idea, but wonders if businesses would have to join the program in order to get their business license. Hoyte says that would not be the case, saying each city tailors the program to their specific needs, noting Nanaimo, Vancouver and Victoria have similar initiatives. She says some cities encourage participants by reducing the business license fee. Council will discuss the request at its next meeting. If approved, Hoyte says the next step will be to meet with stakeholders, bar owners, RCMP, liquor licensors, and city staff.