A city in southern Alberta that has dried up since it was founded more than 100 years ago asks residents if they want restaurants to serve alcohol. The town of Raymond, about 40 miles[240 km]south of Calgary, does not allow alcohol service at any facility. There is no liquor store in the city of 4,000, but people can buy drinks in nearby communities to drink at home. You can get temporary licenses to serve alcohol at weddings and special occasions. “In June 2020, the county removed the last remnants of the ban law, and when that happened, Raymond went from a forbidden community to an unlicensed community,” said Curtis Pratt, Raymond’s chief executive officer. “A local company approached the city and indicated that they were looking to see what it would be in the city’s interest to let them sell alcohol.” In the past two weeks, about 700 of the 2,700 eligible voters responded to an online survey on alcohol bans, Pratt said. “Basically, we’re trying to measure, ‘Are you in favor of Raymond remaining a dry community?’ The second question is, ‘Are you okay with licensed restaurants?’” Pratt said the research gives residents a choice between staying dry, letting alcohol flow freely and allowing it to be sold if a restaurant is licensed. They can also note if they are indifferent. The survey will be completed by midnight on Thursday and the city council will publish the results in 12 days. The ban in Canada became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries in a global movement that encouraged moderation or complete abstinence from alcohol. It is believed that alcohol is responsible for many of the ills of society. The Canadian Restraint Act of 1878 gave local governments the option to ban the sale of alcohol. “Raymond was settled by the first members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early 20th century,” Pratt said. “When the original properties were purchased by Raymond’s founder, a restrictive agreement was reached stating that alcohol could not be sold and that community brothels could not be set up. “This belief has continued to this day.” Nearby cities Cardston, Magrath and Sterling had similar rules, Pratt said. McGrath has begun to allow licensed facilities on a case-by-case basis. Stirling and Cardston voted against lifting the drink ban a few years ago. “This is the first time Raymond, as far as I know, is having this discussion, at least seriously, and we’ll see where it goes,” Pratt said. Angela James, who runs a business in the city but lives 20 minutes by car, said many people who have moved to Raymond all these years do not follow such a strict lifestyle. The owner of a golf course and Brimstone Grill restaurant said he had an appetite for alcohol. He said it would be good for business and it would be easier to manage alcohol consumption. “In our first season, we saw people walking here with their own drink and sitting at our tables and drinking,” James said. “Some people die extremely. This is against the law everywhere, but so are some people relaxed. There were no rules,” he said. “If we really got approval, then the golf course would put up signs saying that alcohol is forbidden.” James said visitors from outside the city are regularly surprised to find that they can not afford a beer while golfing. “But I respect any way. If it is approved, that is a bonus. If it is not approved, we continue our day.” Pratt, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said he was pleased with the debate. “It’s a system of beliefs that the majority has. (The debate) is definitely a healthy process … so we can make a decision, because the council represents everyone.”
