SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Residents could be saying 'cheers' at city bars on Sundays as early as late spring.
Dustin Mercredi pours a drink during lunchtime service at the Black Knight Pub yesterday. The pub is one of 15 that could have the option to open on Sundays should city council pass a new bylaw. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo |
All councillors present at Monday evening's council meeting voted in favour of first reading of a bylaw allowing bars and pubs to choose whether to open Sundays.
The change is being welcomed by several business owners.
Jason Perrino, who co-owns After 8 Pub and Twist Bar and Grill said allowing businesses to decide whether or not to open, not the government, is a matter of fairness.
"I'm just happy that city council is going to create a bylaw that will allow me to have the same economic opportunity that everyone else has," Perrino said.
Restaurants are Class B establishments, which can be open Sundays and can serve liquor.
City council's vote follows a presentation in November by Perrino asking to allow Class A establishments to open on Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Those are businesses, not including liquor stores, that primarily make their money from liquor sales.
There are 15 Class A establishments in Yellowknife.
The NWT Liquor Act allows municipalities to enact a bylaw setting when establishments can open.
As it is, Class A establishments are allowed to open up to 10 Sundays per year, a figure set by the GNWT in 2008.
Deneen Everett, executive director of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, said a move to reduce barriers to business in the city is welcomed.
"I think that's fantastic, I think it would be great for businesses and great for residents," she said.
Monday's vote has no immediate impact.
The city now has to send a copy of the bylaw to the GNWT minister of finance and the Liquor Licensing Board.
Second reading and a debate of the bylaw will take place at the next council meeting April 13.
Public notice will be given and 30 days will pass before third reading.
Another 30 days would pass after third reading before the bylaw comes into effect.
At least one restaurant owner is not worried about the proposed change.
Renata Bullock, co-owner of Bullocks Bistro, is permitted to serve suds with her fish and chips because she operates under a Class B Licence.
She welcomes the news other businesses may soon be able to open seven days a week.
Bullock said she's not worried about losing business should bars and pubs also open Sundays.
"I don't think that really applies. Some people just really want to go out and have a drink and other people just want to go out and eat," she said.
"I don't think it will affect anything."
