Powell River Kings want to generate more income and make hockey more of an experience for fans. With that in mind, the team is asking to have all of Hap Parker Arena licensed for liquor sales.
City of Powell River parks, recreation and culture department brought the liquor sales expansion recommendation to committee of the whole on April 3 to gain council’s support and approve a municipal application to add the west grandstand, upper concourse and Poplar Room to the existing licence, which covers the entire east grandstand.
“Right now, the way we have liquor sales in the building is all congested into one corner,” said city director of parks, recreation and culture Ray Boogaards. By allowing liquor everywhere and a portable kiosk for sales on the west side, Kings fans will be provided better customer service, he added.
The first move to provide the total entertainment package for fans was the recent installation of a new LED screen for game and event broadcasting, a move that has been met enthusiastically by the hometown crowd.
“We're trying to make it more fun,” said Powell River Kings Hockey Society director Joe Mastrodonato. “Hockey is a social evening and that's what we're trying to do.”
For some fans, alcohol is part of the social experience at sporting events.
“It seems to be where a lot of the arenas are going right now, with a greater area provided for alcohol sales,” said Boogaards.
Kings expect expanded alcohol sales will make money for the team, according Mastrodonato.
“We wouldn't be doing it if we didn't,” said Mastrodonato. “It's a potential moneymaker.”
Under a 2017 agreement with the city, the Kings are the primary vendor of alcohol in the licensed area of Hap Parker Arena.
The Poplar Room has been added to the plan, with an access built to join the meeting room located on the main concourse of Powell River Recreation Complex to the area for use by the Kings for VIPs.
Two sections on either end of the ice on the west side of the arena will be reserved as non-alcohol seating areas.
According to Boogaards, the Kings have had liquor sales under control and there have not been any issues, a point Powell River RCMP attest to.
In 2017, police responded to 23 complaints at the recreation complex and none were associated with a Kings' game or liquor service.
“As a police officer and a season-ticket holder, I am impressed with the Kings’ organization and the professionalism displayed as a liquor-licence holder,” said Powell River RCMP staff sergeant Rod Wiebe. “Liquor service standards are key to avoiding problems and given the Kings' track record, I would not predict that this expansion will require extra policing resources.”
