Although not a unanimous approval by City of Cranbrook council, Wildstone Golf Course has been given the okay to serve liquor starting at 9 a.m. on Sundays.

A Sept. 12 vote by city council overturned an August decision to deny the extension of service.

Wildstone general manager Chris Andrews stated in an August 27 letter that not being able to have consistent liquor serving hours was hurting business. Wildstone can serve liquor starting at 9 a.m. every other day of the week.

“It may not seem like a large issue but Sundays are one of the busier days and guests expect to be able to order alcoholic beverages after 9 a.m. because they’ve done so all other days, either at Wildstone or at most other resorts/courses (including Cranbrook GC and Bootleg Gap). When we have large groups or events booked this can be a challenging issue and starts the guest experience on a negative note,” Andrews wrote.

Consultation with the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch by city staff showed that council can vary hours of liquor service on “a case by case basis.”

Coun. Angus Davis was the lone voice of dissent this time around.

“I feel that 9 a.m. on a Sunday morning is a bit too early. The earlier they start the more problems we have,” he said.

While agreeing that starting to drink at 9 a.m. is too early, Coun. Bob Whetham said the city has to remain consistent in its policies.

“If we allow it at some golf courses, we have to allow it” at Wildstone, he said.

Coun. Liz Schatshnieder agreed. “I understand Cranbrook Golf Course is allowed to serve at 9 a.m.. Allowing one business over another isn’t fair,” she said.

And Coun. Jim Wavrecan, noting he was “not about to start moralizing,” also agreed, adding the city also makes requirements for servers to make sure those drinking have a safe ride home.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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