Sylvan bars comply with order
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It should be business as usual this weekend for Sylvan Lake bars ordered to comply with a bylaw to secure outdoor patios.
Councillor Richard Backs said on Friday that his recent check of bars indicated that fencing had been installed at the back of the businesses enclosing the patios.
Rob MacKenzie, owner of Chief’s Pub and Eatery, said he was extremely busy on Friday afternoon.
“It’s all up and we’re ready to rock,” said MacKenzie. “We’ve complied with it (bylaw).”
Bars risked penalties if they didn’t comply with the patio fence portion of the bylaw by Friday.
The fences must be at least 1.83 metres high.
The bylaw was passed last year. It includes provisions to improve health and safety in drinking establishments such as beefing up security measures, improved lighting and making outdoor patios accessible through the premises.
Concern increased significantly recently because of an early June incident when a brawl broke out and was punctuated by gunfire. One man was stabbed and another beaten at one of the bars.
The other bars involved are Chef Francisco Pub and Grill and Bikini’s.
Backs said he wasn’t aware of any issues now. “In walking behind the bars, I know the fences are up.”
He said the bars “had been working diligently to meet the deadline.”
“I know there’s some work to go on inside,” he added.
“I don’t know if their totally compliant but I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t be operating at this point,” Backs said.
Mayor Susan Samson and other town officials couldn’t be reached for comment on Friday.
Other bar owners involved couldn’t be reached either.
“This long weekend should be the real first test,” Backs said.
Contact Jack Wilson at jwilson@reddeeradvocate.com
