TNRD recommends approval of liquor licence for Trans Mountain

The Thompson Nicola Regional District Board of Directors have voted 25-1 in favour of recommending approval of a liquor licence for the Trans Mountain work camp near Merritt.

The vote followed a public hearing where no members of the public addressed the proposal.

The lone Director opposed to the motion was Sally Watson.

“I would sure hate to see it become a normal thing because many of our small towns really rely on mega projects coming through to make some money. So, I hope this is a one-off,” said Watson.

Trans Mountain Spokesperson Kate Stebbings responded to Watson’s concerns.

“The licence is to permit those workers to have up to two drinks within 24-hours within that facility. In no way does it preclude them from going into the community and enjoying the liquor services that are available there. This is one very small component of significant economic activity in the Merritt community,” said Stebbings.

Mayor Linda Brown voted in favour of the motion, as did both local Area Directors.