Dear editor,

I would like to thank the residents of Whistler and Squamish for hosting the GrandFondo event on Sept. 8. I am sure that the traffic disruption required to put on a safe, enjoyable event caused some inconvenience for local residents and I greatly appreciate the patience and goodwill extended by the local community. It was a world-class event that Whistler should be proud of. Kudos to the organizers for a superb job.

This is the third year that I have ridden in the event — a beautiful day capped off with a swim in Lost Lake with my wife and 16-year-old son, who drove up that morning to cheer me on. It was a perfect day — almost.

I say almost because there was one aspect of the experience that I found extremely annoying. At the finish, I was looking forward to having some food and a cold beer, with my family. Unfortunately, I was forced to choose. I could have a beer, or be with my family — not both. To obtain the complimentary beer kindly provided by the event organizers, I was herded like a cow through a security checkpoint into a pen, but without the person I most wanted to be with, my son. I was obliged to huddle like a criminal with the other middle-aged men in Lycra gulping beer, while my family sat outside.

I appreciate the Liquor Control Board has legitimate concerns about allowing minors access to liquor served at adult-oriented events or venues such as concerts. Perhaps this policy even makes sense at jazz festivals. But at a daytime family sporting event? Only adults are allowed to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages at this event. So, why is this venue treated differently from a restaurant or sports arena, or other venue where alcohol is sold in a public setting with mixed age attendees?

I find it hard to imagine that many minors are willing to hang around with a bunch of sweaty, old farts wearing spandex (me included) on the off chance that this might somehow improve their chance of being served a beer (or, God forbid, a glass of wine!).

Just what is the danger from which the regulators are protecting me and my family?

I love B.C and suck out the marrow of life as often as I can. I try to show off this area with great pride to visitors. But I question whether we aren’t now being constrained by a legacy of archaic regulations that no longer serve any reasonable social purpose and prevent Whistler from taking the next step in becoming a world-class resort.

I would hope the regulators have the discretion and wisdom to make practical decisions to address this anomaly, without having to go through yet another lengthy process of review.

Divyesh Gadhia

Burnaby, B.C.