Kelowna council recommends liquor licence for Tiki Time Tours

Kelowna City Council has voted unanimously to recommend granting a liquor licence to Tiki Time Tours, reversing a previous decision by city staff to deny the application. The boat tour company, which has operated on Okanagan Lake since 2020, seeks to serve alcohol on board rather than allowing guests to bring their own.

City staff had originally opposed the licence, citing safety risks due to high marine traffic at the Water Street dock and potential difficulties in managing intoxicated passengers in a constrained environment. Staff also noted past incidents in 2025 where the company was restricted from refueling at the Kelowna Marina due to unruly, intoxicated customers.

Owners Jason and Carolina Lloyd argued that a formal licence would provide greater control over alcohol consumption, as the company would employ a server and a captain to regulate drinking. They noted that their expansion into Vancouver's False Creek already operates with a liquor licence without compliance issues. While council has recommended approval, the company must still receive final authorization from the British Columbia Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.