BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
There?s been a beer tent at Ella Lake during Capreol Days for 40 years, but this year organizers say they are caught up in too much red tape from the
city.
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Capreol Days organizer Kim Lachapelle says new regulations for safety may prevent the Lions Club from operating its beer tent at Ella Lake. |
Greater Sudbury regulations state special events beer tents must have a double fencing system and there must be two police officers at all times.
Capreol Days organizing committee chair Kim Lachapelle says there will be no Lion?s Club beer tent at this year?s event because volunteers can?t handle the extra work putting up two fences. As well, the cost of hiring two off-duty police officers is more than the club can afford.
Lachapelle wants the city to amend the policy.
?The city keeps making us jump through hoops to run an event that we have run for years without any problems,? said Lachapelle. ?Every year we have to beg to get permission and we shouldn?t have to.?
Organizers are required to submit a security plan to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to manage risk, said Caroline Hallsworth, general manager of citizen and leisure services with the City of Greater Sudbury.
?Alcohol and water don?t mix well. There?s more risk.?
However, Hallsworth said the organizers don?t necessarily have to hire two police officers for security.
?This policy is there to protect the event organizers and the participants. It?s a reality of the day. There are lawsuits when accidents happen,? said
Hallsworth.
Lachapelle is circulating a petition to reverse the policy.
?I vow to fight this every step of the way,? said Lachapelle. ?I will not accept defeat. The city needs to permanently change the policy to reflect the needs of smaller events. Right now, it?s geared for big events like at Bell Park.?
Lachapelle doesn?t want a quick fix either. ?We want it fixed right, so we don?t have to do this same song and dance every year.?
In past Capreol Days events, Lachapelle said there have never been any problems with the beer tent. ?The Lions and others have held this beer tent for 40 years without any incident and suddenly the city finds it necessary to force them to hire off-duty police officers as security and double fence
off the tent,? said Lachapelle. ?These restrictions make it impossible for the Lions to hold this traditional event.
?The beer tent is a traditional event that allows residents to sit and socialize in a cool area. It?s a relaxing way to end our event.?
The beer tend raises money for Christmas hampers and for food vouchers for needy families, said Lachapelle.
She needs a solution, and fast. As of right now, the Lion?s Club will not be in attendance with the beer tent. ?Capreol Days run from July 30 to Aug. 2, so we need an answer now because the Lion?s Club would then have to apply for a liquor licence,? said Lachapelle. ?It can?t take forever.?
