Regional police chief raises concerns with booze in parks and convenience stores

Waterloo Regional Police Chief Mark Crowell said he has some concerns when it comes to potential pilot programs for open alcohol in local parks.

Speaking on The Mike Farwell Show on Tuesday, Crowell said there are concerns from a public safety point of view for calls for service of people being disruptive when it comes to open alcohol.

He said there have been increases in trends locally, such as drinking and driving, and the service needs to be sure it is prepared to handle those kinds of calls.

“What we’re talking [about] is not the visions of somebody calmly consuming a pinot grigio on a blanket, families and BBQs, it’s the disruptions,” he said. “It’s the making sure that impacted neighbours and neighborhoods don’t change in a way that is out of step with community expectations broadly.”

Crowell adds that he and the service are open to working with local municipalities that want to try a pilot program.

Kitchener city council voted last week to defer a pilot program that would have seen alcohol allowed in Victoria Park from July 1 to Oct 31. During Canada Day, police said numerous charges were laid for Consuming Liquor in a Public Place.

Grocery stores are set to have more booze options beginning on August 1 and in corner stores starting September 6.