Proposed liquor legislation changes would give police new tools to prevent violence and public disturbances by shutting party houses and pre-emptively removing gang members from socials and bars. This announcement was made by Children and Youth Opportunities Kevin Chief, minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg. Chief said the changes were drafted with feedback from consultations held across the province last year.
“Manitobans want to know that police have all the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” said the minister. “We are empowering citizens and police to look at situations that have the potential to become violent or disruptive and take action to prevent trouble before it starts.”
The proposed legislation, which is expected to come into force early in 2014, emphasizes public safety and social responsibility the minister said. Highlights include:
- allowing a one-year liquor ban in private residences where there have been repeated incidences of drunkenness leading to violence or public disturbances;
- allowing the immediate seizure of liquor in a residence where it is prohibited; and
- allowing police to pre-emptively remove people from bars and socials if they create a risk of violence or are known to be violent including known gang members.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood,” said Staff Sgt. Kelly Dennison of the Winnipeg Police Service. “These tools mean my officers and I can work with families and businesses across the city to prevent problems before they begin.”
The minister added the proposed new legislation’s public safety measures are a strong fit with the government’s recent commitment to develop an Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy to reduce alcohol abuse and encourage responsible consumption. The measures will be balanced with changes to allow more types of businesses to serve alcohol and cut red tape for businesses owners, he said.
