CITY HALL – Liquor consumption pilot at Riverside Park deemed a success

A pilot program that allows liquor consumption in a designated area of Riverside Park near the Rotary Bandshell has proven a success, City council was told Tuesday (March 10, 2026).

The project was launched last year to assess the impacts of allowing responsible liquor consumption in designated public spaces. It ended Oct. 1 but staff recommended it be done in 2026 as well, from May 15 to October again.

Kamloops City council was told that feedback from the community during a survey taken from July to October was “notably polarized” during the project’s first year. There were 267 respondents.

“The majority of responses fell into two categories: individuals who strongly supported the initiative and those who strongly opposed it.”

However, feedback shifted as time when on, the report said. “Significantly more people began to strongly support the pilot compared to those who continued to strongly oppose it. This change suggests that the community is becoming more comfortable with the program, and its perceived benefits are increasingly recognized.”

Most supported the 12 noon to 9 p.m. timeframe.

Events supervisor Andrew Smeaton said many people regarded it as “treating adults like adults.” and felt it contributed to the vibrancy of downtown and was a boon to tourism. Only two reports were received of people drinking outside the boundaries, and one of someone drinking too early.

“We’re not seeing any increases in negative behaviour,” he said.

Coun. Bill Sarai said he heard from people who appreciated “not having to sneak around” with their liquor during Music in the Park, but Coun. Nancy Bepple said, “I’m on the side of strongly opposed.”