Editor,
Re: Extended patio hours urged for uptown, PAN, March 14
Is Russell Avenue the new skid row?
We have three ‘pubs’ with patios between Johnston Road and Foster Street.
The social problems are as follows:
(1) Patrons spill out of the patios onto the small sidewalks and drink on both sides of the outdoor bar.
This forces Pedestrians to walk on the road.
(2) Groups of mostly men gather outside in alleyways and in the park opposite Russell Avenue to smoke.
Residents are intimidated by these groups and walk on the road or take a different route to their destination.
(3) The reverberation of sound in the narrow road currently amplifies the sounds of drunken revelry beyond acceptable levels.
Residents in this area make no apology for being opposed to further extension of licensing hours for these reasons.
We need a visible police presence and enforcement of bylaws in this section of Russell Avenue.
S. Russell, White Rock