It鈥檚 something city council was likely not expecting to hear during a public hearing regarding a liquor licence application for a brew pub - a plea to consider the social impacts of addiction.
Council was asked at the Apr. 18 hearing to support the application by Buffalo Rouge Brewing to the province.
During public comments Devan Gaffney, appearing via video, asked council to find a balance when approving establishments that serve liquor.
He said readily available research shows alcohol is linked to domestic violence, public disorder, impaired judgement, as well as an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviour including drugs.
鈥淚f we鈥檙e going to be bringing in another brewery, another winery鈥hat about the addiction supports that are publicly available,鈥� he asked.
Gaffney, who explained that he recently lost someone close to him to addiction, wanted council to consider the impact of alcohol and drugs on society.
鈥淚f we start to brand 琉璃神社 as brewery central, as wine central鈥 think there needs to be a balance so we can be helping the people out there who are dying.鈥�
Gaffney said that he was not against or in favour of Buffalo Rouge鈥檚 application, and added he would likely visit when it opened.
He then asked for a moment of silence which Mayor Tom Dyas granted.
Development Planning Manager Terry Barton was asked by Coun. Gord Lovegrove to comment on any public concerns regarding the city鈥檚 brewery district.
鈥淚 would agree with the speaker that the overall popularity of the brewpubs over the last few years has been significant,鈥� said Barton. 鈥淲e get a lot of feedback that people appreciate these types of facilities, notwithstanding some of the consequences that were mentioned.鈥�
In referring to Gaffney鈥檚 comments, Lovegrove said the topic could be a discussion on another day with staff.
鈥淭hey are appropriate comments made about a much wider social issue,鈥� added Lovegrove. 鈥淎t some point, it would be nice to take a step back鈥bout the wider issues that we鈥檙e dealing with in our community鈥nd is one of our council priorities.鈥�
Council voted unanimously to support the licence application.
READ MORE: Affordable housing sways 琉璃神社 council on townhouse project
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on and subscribe to our daily and subscribe to our daily newsletter.
