Cardston residents say yes to alcohol

Posted on June 30, 2023 by admin

Southern Alberta Newspapers

Residents of Cardston have voted in favour of allowing limited liquor sales in a non-binding vote of electors held by the town on June 12.

Allowing alcohol to be sold within town limits has been discussed since 2019, and the question to voters asked if they supported a bylaw change to allow sales in restaurants and recreational facilities, such as golf courses and the town’s agridome.

According to the town, 494 votes were cast in favour, with 431 against.

Previous councils have defeated proposed amendments at first reading, while the current council tabled this amendment in January after requests from business owners.

The results are non-binding and the bylaw will be subject to a public hearing at a Cardston town council meeting.

In March 2022, the Town of Raymond similarly asked residents in a survey if they wanted to have licensed restaurants sell alcohol in licensed premises where food sales are the primary source of business. It found that 52 per cent were against changing the Raymond liquor policy. A 6-1 vote by town council in April of last year kept in place its 120-year-old ban on alcohol sales.