Residents of Cardston were split on a public vote on whether to allow some alcohol sales, May 30, 2023. (Photo: Wisconsinart | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Cardston vote split on allowing alcohol sales

May 30, 2023 | 4:33 PM

CARDSTON, AB – Residents of Cardston made their voices heard on whether or not the sale of alcohol at restaurants and recreational facilities should be permitted.

The Town of Cardston held a non-binding vote on Monday, May 29, 2023, where the following question was asked:

“Are you in favour of passing Bylaw 1647K and allowing limited liquor sales in Town by restricting the sale of liquor to only Class A liquor licences in restaurants and Class B liquor licences in recreational facilities (Golf Course and Agridome)?” YES, or NO.

The Town has reported that a total of 925 eligible electors cast ballots on the plebiscite question. Of those, 494 (53 per cent) said “YES,” while 431 (47 per cent) voted “NO.”

The sale of alcohol in select Alberta communities was prohibited on July 21, 1915, and remained in effect until the passing of Bill 2: “Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Amendment Act” on July 18, 2019. The Act repealed all remaining prohibitions on alcohol sales, although some communities like Cardston became known as municipalities without licensed premises.

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In order to issue the first license to sell alcohol, a resolution of approval is required by a municipal council in these communities.

Town council in Cardston has been considering whether to allow alcohol licenses to be allowed since the passing of Bill 2.

Cardston Town Council will now take the results of the vote under consideration at a future meeting.

A public hearing will need to be held before council can make the final decision. A date for such a hearing has not been set.

More details on the Land Use Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 1647K are on the Town of Cardston website.

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