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Proposed bylaw would allow Yellowknife bars to open Sundays

A proposed new bylaw giving bars the option to serve booze seven days a week has passed first reading by Yellowknife City Council.

Bylaw that would eliminate current opening restrictions passes 1st reading

Yellowknife city council building
A proposed new bylaw would allow bars in Yellowknife the option to open on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day. (Chantal Dubuc/CBC)

A proposed new bylaw giving bars the option to serve booze seven days a week has passed first reading by Yellowknife City Council.

As it stands, only restaurants and establishments that are considered clubs can sell alcohol on Sundays year-round in the city. Bars are allowed to open 10 Sundays each year.

Jason Perrino, who owns the After 8 Pub in Yellowknife, asked council last year to level the playing field.

"Every other business in the N.W.T. can choose to operate any day of the year and I want the same choice," he said. 

The proposed bylaw would allow bars the option to open on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

The next step is to send the bylaw to the finance minister and the N.W.T Liquor Commission.

Second reading of the bylaw is expected in mid April.