The City of Kamloops launched a pilot program allowing responsible liquor consumption in a designated area of Riverside Park. On June 24, 2025, Council adopted the amendment to Parks and Public Lands Bylaw No. 35-66.
This initiative, modelled after successful programs in other municipalities in British Columbia, allows responsible alcohol consumption in public spaces.
From May 15–October 1, 2025, between 12:00 pm and 9:00 pm, responsible liquor consumption is permitted in the specified area of Riverside Park.
Designated Area Boundary
While moderate consumption is allowed, public intoxication is prohibited. Under proposed Parks and Public Lands Bylaw No. 35-66, the RCMP and Community Service Officers are authorized to direct individuals to dispose of liquor if they are not complying with the rules. Public intoxication and causing a disturbance are illegal, and tickets will be issued for alcohol consumption in areas and at times not permitted under the new bylaw.
Signage will be posted within Riverside Park where responsible liquor consumption is permitted.
Special Event Exclusion Dates
There are exceptions to the bylaw during special events. On the following dates, the bylaw will not be in effect:
- July 1, 2025 - Canada Day
- July 24–27, 2025 - Kamloops International Buskers Festival
- August 8–10, 2025 - Kamloops Daybreak Rotary Ribfest
Pilot Program Feedback
The City will monitor the pilot program and gather feedback from enforcement personnel, community partners, event organizers, and the public. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the pilot program over the summer. Feedback will be taken into consideration when the pilot program summary is presented to Council in fall 2025.
Feedback Form
The opportunity to provide feedback on this pilot program is available until 11:59 pm on October 1, 2025.
Responsible Liquor Consumption Safety Tips
It is your responsibility to ensure that you drink responsibly for your safety and those around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is responsible liquor consumption in the park allowed?
May 15–October 1, 2025, between 12:00 pm and 9:00 pm, within the permitted area of Riverside Park.
What rules should residents and visitors be aware of?
The pilot program is limited to the designated area (outlined above). Areas where liquor consumption is permitted will be identified with signs.
Liquor consumption is only permitted from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm daily.
Liquor is not permitted within 15 m of playgrounds and sports courts, in parking lots, or in public toilet facilities.
- The pilot program focuses on responsible liquor consumption. Public intoxication remains illegal.
Why was Riverside Park selected?
The location was selected due to its accessibility, visibility, and alignment with existing park activities, such as picnicking and the seasonal Music in the Park concert series.
Why allow liquor consumption in the park?
Responsible consumption programs reflect a shift in urban policy toward recognizing the park as a shared community space, where natural surveillance and social norms regulate behaviours rather than strict prohibition. The program supports social well-being by providing outdoor socialization options and encouraging the use of green spaces, which is relevant in Kamloops and other municipalities experiencing an increasing number of residents living in mid- and higher-density housing without private gathering places.
How will the City manage the impacts of the program?
While the public plays a significant role in the success of this program in promoting responsible liquor consumption, there are resources in place to support the 2025 pilot program.
- Additional security personnel will be scheduled during Music in the Park, July 1–August 31, annually.
- A clear boundary is identified so the RCMP and Community Services Officers can enforce the restrictions inside and outside the designated area.
Feedback will be collected throughout the pilot program to help determine the success and challenges.
What is the legal drinking age?
The legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19.
What kind of enforcement will be in place during the program?
- The RCMP can issue tickets for public intoxication, causing a disturbance, and consuming liquor in areas and at times not permitted under the pilot program.
- Community Services Officers can issue bylaw offence notices to individuals who consume alcohol in public outside of the areas and times designated in the pilot.
- Any person found violating the bylaw is subject to a penalty of $100 for a first offence and $200 for each subsequent offence.
How do I report public intoxication or safety concerns?
In an emergency, phone 911.
To report a concern or problem, call Community Services at 250-828-3409. Community Services does not provide an emergency response. All requests for service are placed into a calls-for-service system. Issues that deal with public safety will be dealt with first.
