City Gives Boost to Public Safety

The City of Abbotsford has amended the Business License Bylaw to further enhance community safety, announced Mayor George Peary today. “This change in our business license requirements was an idea raised through public consultation with the Mayors Task Force on Crime Reduction,” said Mayor George W. Peary. “These new standards meet City Councils goals of pursing any and all means to make our community safer.”
Under the amended Bylaw, Abbotsford Police are now able to remove customers from bars and restaurants who present a safety risk to other patrons, such as gang members and their associates.”
The amendment boosts efforts started by the community to ensure that patrons, staff and establishment owners are able to enjoy an environment free of safety risks presented by such individuals.
The following clause was added to the conditions of the Liquor & Food Primary establishment Business License:
“taking reasonable steps to ensure the personal safety of its employees, patrons, including steps to evict, or allow the Abbotsford Police Department and members of other Police agencies to evict, and prevent re-entry by individuals whose conduct gives rise to a reasonable apprehension that they present a safety risk to other persons;”
Prior to the Bylaw amendment, some establishments in Abbotsford had already voluntarily entered into an agreement with the Abbotsford Police Department through the Barwatch Program, to allow Officers to remove individuals whose presence posed a safety risk to other patrons. The changes insure that establishments can meet their primary purpose of providing a comfortable and hospitable environment for all patrons.