In a city historically reviled for its restrictive liquor laws, the Vancouver Park Board is considering selling alcohol at its 13 concession stands in parks and beaches.
The board launched a review of its concession stand options, which includes predictable but tasty, if not especially healthy, options such as burgers, hotdogs, fries and ice cream. A Wednesday news announcement stated the need for “food and beverages to better reflect Vancouver.”
The board hired a private consultant to develop business strategies for improving concession food and drinks. They are also seeking feedback on liquor sales within licensed areas at concessions.
(A development that nonetheless won’t curb sales of this product.)
Park board chairwoman and NPA commissioner Sarah Kirby-Yung said the goal is simple: sell food people want to eat.
“We want to know what food and beverages people want to buy at our concessions — Thai, Japanese, BBQ or hamburgers — and even if we should convert some concessions into another format with casual seating,” she said in a prepared statement.
City staff and the park board are seeking public feedback three ways.
This long weekend, staff will interview diners at six concession stands, including locations at Spanish Banks and Second and Third beaches in Stanley Park.
They are also looking for people to participate in focus groups on May 31.
And, the public can weigh in through an online questionnaire until May 29.
A report and recommendations will be presented to the commissioners June 27.
Concessions have operated in Vancouver since before the 1950s, according to information from staff.
Private operators run concession stands on a contract basis. They purchase food and beverages, maintain the buildings, and staff the stands. Concessions operate on a seasonal basis starting April 1, with the exception of the tourist information booth in Stanley Park, which is open year round.
The park board also issued 21 permits to food trucks and carts this year; it’s the highest number since the service launched at three park locations in 2012.
Concession stands have undergone other changes over the years, including the evolution of the Boathouse Restaurant, which started as a food stand at Kitsilano Beach.
Twitter: @MHStewart
