Firehalls in the South Okanagan/Similkameen now have to be alcohol free zones.

Regional District Directors voted in favour of a staff recommendation to introduce the regional district’s alcohol policy to all of the firehalls at a board meeting today, June 2.

Up till now the policy of whether or not to allow alcohol in firehalls for the social use of firefighters when off duty had been left to the discretion of individual fire departments.

RDOS CAO Bill Newell said the recommendation would represent “a big change for some departments,” adding in many cases it would be easier on the fire chiefs to have the policy dictated to them by the board.

Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes called it a no brainer – noting the Oliver Fire Department now takes out a special occasions liquor license and has a non-drinking duty crew in place for social events.

Keremeos, Okanagan Falls, Kaleden and Anarchist Mountain will be affected. All fire departments will now have to obtain a special occaision permit in order to have alcohol on the premises.