Jasper National Park of Canada
Campground Quiet Hours Liquor Ban - Questions and Answers
1. Why did Jasper National Park see the need to institute a liquor ban during quiet hours in all campgrounds for the summer?
There has been a trend towards increased noise, inappropriate behaviour, vandalism, and disturbance to other campers at several campgrounds over the past few years. We would like to stop that trend, and ensure the campgrounds are a place where everyone can come and camp, have fun and enjoy a good night sleep.
Over 90%of the problem incidents that we respond to are alcohol related.
The liquor ban is an administrative and enforcement tool that helps implement quiet hours in the campgrounds.
2. When is the liquor ban in effect?
The liquor ban will be in effect nightly June 27th - Sept 1, 2008 from 11:00 pm at 7:00 a.m.
3. Why only from 11:00 pm - 07:00 am?
Many campers enjoy a few drinks around the fire in the evening and this is not a restricted or prohibited activity. Noise disturbances and inappropriate behavior are most common and become a problem after quiet hours.
4. How has/will the liquor ban been communicated?
Notices to staff and local stakeholders have been sent out. Articles and/or public notices will be published in local & regional papers. Our campground reservation system, website and travel industry websites will be used to communicate this. There will be on-site signs at campgrounds and information centres.
Campers who have a reservation and decide they do not want to stay because of the liquor ban will be given a full refund.
5. How will the liquor ban be enforced?
The first step will be broad communication at the campgrounds so people are aware of the ban. Campground attendants and park wardens will be doing regular campground patrols in the evening until 11:00 pm. They will establish a presence in the campground and ensure those who are being loud are aware that there is a quiet time and a liquor ban that will be enforced.
A security firm has been contracted to provide patrols from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am. If park staff or contracted security staff observe non-compliance after 11:00 pm they will record and report their observations to dispatch or RCMP, depending on the nature of the incident. Further warnings will not be issued. If alcohol is present, it will be confiscated and disposed of. The campers may be evicted and/or charged.
As this is a new initiative that we are piloting, procedural changes will be made in the future as required.
6. RCMP are already busy, how will this make a difference?
By having a liquor ban in place, when RCMP are called in they can take action to correct the problem using a range of enforcement actions.
7. What kind of incidents are you dealing with?
Most campground disturbances involve complaints about loud noise. That can include anything from loud talking, loud music, loud vehicles, arguments etc.
8. Do other parks have alcohol bans?
Yes, although none have used a partial liquor ban. Prince Albert, Elk Island, Riding Mountain and Kootenay national parks as well as many Provincial Parks implement week-end long liquor bans to reduce the same type of issues.
9. Why is there a partial liquor ban here and not in other mountain national parks?
Besides Tunnel Mountain campground in Banff, which has contracted RCMP to handle enforcement issues, JNP has nearly four times more enforcement occurrences than other national parks in Canada. We have a lot of campsites in JNP (over 1700 car sites) and the majority (over 1100) in Whistler/Wapiti.
We can't do much about the weather, or make their sleeping bag or bed comfortable, but we can try to keep the noise level and disturbances down.
10. Where can I camp if I want to have an alcoholic drink and how will you ensure the problem doesn't move to another campground?
Most campgrounds in the mountain national parks continue to allow alcohol consumption. Campers can check with provincial and private campsites in the area.
RCMP will be providing support for enforcement as they have in the past.
11. What is the definition of Alcohol? What is legal? What is not? Is wine with dinner ok?
Anything with more than 0.5 % alcohol is prohibited during quiet hours.
12. What will happen if I get caught drinking in the campground?
Drinking after prescribed hours in the campground will result in three things:
- Liquor will be seized.
- The site (and all persons on it) will be evicted and banned from all National Park campgrounds for 48 hours. There is no refund on any camping or personal user fees paid.
- The person may be charged by the RCMP.
13. What law am I breaking?
Section 5 (3) of the National Parks Camping Regulations (failing to comply with conditions set out by the superintendent), and pursuant to section 24 (3) of the National Parks Act if caught in the campground. Section 89 (1) of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Act (consumption in a public place) if caught anywhere else in the park.
14. What kind of fine would be given if I am caught with a bottle of beer?
Consumption of liquor during the prescribed liquor ban hours would involve a charge under the National Park Act requires an appearance in court, where the judge ultimately determines the fine. Plus, the liquor is seized, and if caught in the campground, you will be evicted for 48 hours and lose all fees you have paid.
15. What are the next steps?
- Training and orientation will be provided to contracted security staff
- In the first week Parks Canada staff (Resource Conservation, Visitor Services, Communication) RCMP and Contracted staff will work on logistical details and communications.
- Regular meetings will take place throughout the summer as we monitor and adapt to ensure quality visitor experiences.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sean Nardella, Media and Executive Services 780-852-6109
Experience the natural wonders of Canada
Parks Canada operates all campgrounds in Jasper National Park
Reservations can be made at Pocahontas, Whistlers, Wapiti and Wabasso campgrounds: www.pccamping.ca or 1-877-737-3783. Elsewhere all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis - arrive early.
- There are 1772 sites available in Jasper National Park during peak season with a variety of services.
- Demand is heaviest from June through September, with July and August being the busiest. Serviced (hook up) sites are very limited in Jasper National Park and are only available at Whistler’s and Wapiti campgrounds. During busy months, hook up sites can fill before 11 am and campers wanting hook ups often line up early in the morning. At that time of year, it is best to plan on doing your first night without hook ups. Upon arrival, campground staff will advise you on how to go about getting a hook up site for the rest of your stay. For non-serviced sites it is advisable to arrive by 2pm, earlier on weekends.
- Checkout time is 11:00 am.
- Campers must purchase a camping permit at the campground kiosk or self register.
- Showers are available in Whistler and Wapiti campgrounds only.
- There are wheelchair accessible sites in Whistlers, Pocahontas and Wabasso campgrounds.
- Interpretive programs are available in some of the campgrounds during the summer months. These programs are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Consult your Mountain Guide for details.
- Dates of operation vary. Summer camping begins in early May, with all campgrounds open by mid to late June. Summer campgrounds close throughout September and October. The winter campground is at Wapiti.
- Group camping is available for groups with a minimum of ten people and the group campsites can accommodate tents only. Call 780-852-6146 for reservations.
- General camping information contact:
Jasper National Park
Box 10 Jasper, Alberta
Canada, T0E 1E0 http://pc.gc.ca/jasper
ph (780) 852-6176
fax (780) 852-6152
- For information on campgrounds adjacent to Jasper National Park that accept reservations contact:
Alberta Tourism 1-800-661-8888.
In British Columbia 1-800-663-6000 for information 1-800-689-9025 for reservations