WHITE ROCK - A proposal to sell alcohol and hold a ticketed event on White Rock's Pier this summer has been deferred by council in lieu of more information being sought.The event, which would be in celebration of the pier's 100th anniversary as well as Semiahmoo Arts' 40th anniversary, is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 28 and requires council's approval for the special events licence permitting liquor on the pier.
According to Eric Stepura, White Rock's director of leisure services, the event would be a fundraiser for the local arts and would feature on-pier entertainment as well as food and beverage services.
"Due to the special nature of this onetime occasion and in celebration of 100 years of the pier, we're asking for special permission from council to allow that to take place," said Stepura.
If approved, the liquor licence would be valid from 7 to 10 p.m that evening and would include closing off all but the first 200 feet of the pier, which would remain open to the public.
Stepura added that if approved, the event could draw up to 700 people, and a family friendly celebration is also being planned for those who might not be able to make the ticketed event.
Coun. Helen Fathers and Mayor Wayne Baldwin both expressed concerns about public safety during such an event, especially with alcohol being served so close to the railway tracks, however Stepura assured them that talks with the local RCMP and fire chief were already underway.
When asked about the total cost to the city, including policing, Stepura said by his estimate the event would cost around $3,500, to which some council members seemed shocked.
Coun. Alan Campbell said the city was being "a bit shy on the cost" and a motion was made and passsed for staff to look further into the total costs of the event and come back at a later date with more details.
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