Calgary

Cardston plebiscite to gauge town's thirst for alcohol

Residents of Cardston will vote next month on whether its ban on the sale of alcohol should be lifted.

Largely Mormon town has been dry since early 1900s

Residents of Cardston in southern Alberta will vote next month on whether alcohol should be allowed for sale. (Google Street View)

Residents of Cardston will vote next month on whether its ban on the sale of alcohol should be lifted.

The predominantly Mormon town 235 kilometres south of Calgary has been dry for close to a century.

A vote on whether alcohol should be sold in the southern Alberta town of Cardston will be held on Oct. 6. (Canadian Press)

Darren Atwood, the founder of Cardston Citizens for Positive Progress, said he thinks it’s time people had some options for buying alcohol in the town.

“Specifically in regards to the use of alcohol being available at restaurants with a meal, or at our golf course or recreation facility. It’s not to open up liquor stores, it’s not to provide wide access,” he said.

Mayor Maggie Kronen says in the end it will be up to the province to amend the liquor laws as they apply to Cardston.

“It's non-binding on council meaning that council is not the one who is going to make the changes,” Kronen said.

Kronen says the plebiscite will help judge the community’s reaction to the proposal.

Another question on the ballot is whether sports tournaments should be allowed on Sundays.

The vote is on Oct. 6.