It used to be the most animated sound youd hear on one of Vancouvers public golf courses was FORE!
But that classic golf warning could soon be followed by a resounding CHEERS! if the park board approves a proposal to allow liquor sales, not just in the clubhouse as is the case today, but also on the course.
The park board runs three golf courses in the cityLangara, Fraserview and McLeerywhich operate with food primary liquor licenses. In other words, a golfer is welcome to enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine with their burger in the clubhouse or patio following 18 holes, but not while playing, which is allowed at many B.C. private and public courses. At the Sept. 19 park board meeting, commissioners will decide whether to allow liquor sales on the course, possibly from a strategically placed hut, a take-out window or a mobile beverage cart.
Park board chair Aaron Jasper says its not just booze thats at stake here, but an entire acceleration of service. He says if all goes well, a kiosk placed near the 10th hole could provide a number of food and beverage options, including a refreshing pop or bottle of water for the kids, a sandwich for the hungry or a cold beer to quench the thirst of a golfer before he or she moves on to the next hole.
Private, and many public golf courses in B.C. have been serving alcohol on their greens for as long as there have been golf courses in B.C. According to a park board staff report, alcohol is allowed on courses across Greater Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and the Lower Mainland, including University Golf Course at the University of B.C., Musqueam, Northlands, Morgan Creek, Green Acres, Mylora and Riverway. That report adds serving alcohol on a course is a basic expectation of regular golfers and not being able to do so puts our public courses at a disadvantage when compared to others in Greater Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and the Lower Mainland.
Some argue that allowing easier access to liquor contributes to impaired driving. I dont buy it. If that reasoning is to be considered, bars and restaurants shouldnt be allowed to serve alcohol either. Its called personal responsibility. Its also common knowledge that many golfers already drink on public courses. They just bring their own booze and coolers. So long as they keep it to a minimum or have a designated driver, why not allow thirsty golfers a chance to purchase a cold one, which in turn will allow the park board to reap the profits?
Profit is the key, says Jasper. The citys public golf courses are the top revenue generator for the park board. That extra revenue could help pay for much-needed programs at community centres. Jasper says its estimated selling liquor on the three courses will generate about $100,000 annually to start. If the staff report is approved Monday, the park board will apply for liquor primary (mostly beer and wine) licenses for Langara, Fraserview and McLeery.
I guess there is the chance better access to booze might create the occasional Happy Gilmore, the lead character in the 1996 sports comedy of the same name, whose drinking, brawling and all-round bad behaviour created a new breed of golf fan better suited to a hockey game. But its just as likely the Happy Gilmores of the golf world are already smuggling booze onto the course in those water bottles. So why not make them pay for it?
In a sport as famous for its strict etiquette as its game, its highly unlikely allowing a civilized drink at the 10th hole will spell the ruin of golf as we know it.
Twitter: @sthomas10
