Victoria/Fraser Valley – UPDATE – The Twilight drive-in in Aldergrove is reopening, but with two showings every night, each with a 50-car limit. The concession is allowed to remain open. Fraser Health gave the owner, Jay Daulat the verbal go-ahead to operate its concession. That allows the viable option to turn a profit even with a 50 vehicle restriction.
ORIGINAL STORY – One week ago, the Ministry of Health issued a new directive saying that drive-in events are not to have more than 50 vehicles, and the sale of refreshments are restricted.
That put the kibosh on the idea for the use of any area to be used for a drive in movie, concert or other large event.
There is now a petition to change that policy from change.org.
From their on line form (click here to view):
This new restriction clearly has come up now in response to a number of people trying to capitalize off COVID-19 by proposing temporary pop-up parking lot drive-in and concert events. They would not have the same permanent infrastructure and facilities as Twilight drive-In.
The official order uses two different terms, “drive-in theatres” and “drive-in events” (screen shot below). We clearly are a “drive-in theatre”, and whoever wrote the new order obviously gave some consideration to the difference. But for some reason we are being held to these new restrictions for “drive-in events”. We do not agree that we are an “event” and these new restriction should not apply to pre-existing, on-going, permanent, brick and mortar licensed drive-in theatres in BC.
We note we have a valid “drive-in theatre” business license from the Township of Langley, and not an “event” license or permit.
Furthermore, we hold a “take out food” license, which was permitted in Phase 1 and still is in Phase 2. But now to single us out saying that our “take out food” license isn’t valid while everyone’s else is, is completely unfair.
One high profile advocate to who is part of this charge is the Manager of the Abbotsford Agrifair, Melanie Kish. Bav Ketchen started this petition.
