Liquor stores in the City of Edmonton could soon operate closer together. Right now, they must be at least 500 metres apart.
But the Katz Group, which owns the Edmonton Oilers, wants to open a liquor store in the Ice District. Problem is, there's already a liquor store. Just 20 metres away.
Earlier this week, Edmonton City Council voted to re-examine the 500 metre policy, proposing staff write a report outlining alternative ways social order can be maintained around liquor stores.
In the interim, the Katz Group will not be granted an exception.
The rule was introduced more than a decade ago in the interest of public safety. Experts say there's a connection between the number of liquor stores and crime. Councillor Scott McKeen believes the bylaw doesn't address this issue, saying some liquor stores are not operating responsibly.
