Hockey club wants alcohol sales in arena

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In a deputation to council on Monday, the Uxbridge Pioneers hockey club asked for permission to sell alcohol at its home games at the arena.

Addressing council from his car, team member Borden Bessette said the club wants to sell alcoholic drinks in Pad 1 and in the community hall.

The Pioneers did not provide council with any documentation, but instead Bessette displayed notes from his own computer in the vehicle.

One passage in his notes said "the hall would most likely be best to have as many chairs and seats available as possible for individuals looking to drink." He suggested between 300-400 guests could drink at every intermission. He also noted that, if alcohol is served, "all children under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by their parent or older sibling to keep things from getting out of hand."

Bessette also noted the community hall has a kitchen, which he said would enable the team to "have a food sponsor use every home game to promote their food. This is key to have for the liquor license to show that we are serving food with each home game and promoting a drink and meal option to lower chances of intoxication."

The township later informed the Cosmos that, in other talks with staff, the Pioneers dropped their request to serve alcohol in Pad 1 and restricted it to the community centre.

Bessette's notes also ruminated on the possibility of using the community hall to show televised coverage of away games, again with alcohol being served.

During the deputation, Bessette explained that the Pioneers’ club is made up of “senior semi-professional hockey players.” They are members of the Ontario Super Hockey League, but www.oshl.ca contains little information about the team executive, the players or coaching staff.

Council voted to turn the request over to staff for a report.