Grande Prairie History, ALCB and The York Hotel
1948
World War II had just ended and Grande Prairie was 34 years
young boasting a population of 2,700 people.
Three block of Richmond Avenue were paved, but otherwise wooden
sidewalks graced graveled streets. A storm drainage system and new water
works had been completed.
Six hotels had been built in Grande Prairie, four before
1920. The first was the Murray Hotel, built by Frank Donald in 1920.
The newest was the Donald Hotel, build by Frank Donald after his Corona Hotel
burnt down.
When the Hotel York was constructed it was recognized as the
finest hotel north of Edmonton. Elmer Logan, the first in a
line of Logans, was in charge of the Hotel York. (The Logans have served
Grande Prairie as lawyers, civic leaders, town councilors, mayors, Peace
Planning Commissioners, volunteer firemen, and builders.)
The ALCB (Alberta Liquor Control Board) strictly regulated all
aspects of ownership, construction and operation of hotels. The new hotel
would be designated by the ALCB as a "Calgary" house. Beer was
sold in 8 oz glasses, to the "tide-line", at $0.10 a glass. The
price was regulated by the ALCB and would not rise until 1965, when it rose to
$0.15 for a 7.25o oz. glass. In 1970, the price rose to $.020 for a 7.25
oz. glass. At last, in 1977, the ALCB removed control on the size of serve
and price per ounce, allowing licensees to serve beer in pictures and the market
to determine the price.
In order to obtain an ALCB license it was necessary to obtain
one from an existing hotel--so the Grande Prairie Hotel was purchased and torn
down--to free up a license for the new York Hotel.
The Grande Prairie Hotel, about 1922
1953
Supper hour closure of licensed premises was introduced and
lasted until 1968. This move benefited taxi owners, who may have been
responsible for lobbying for it. However it was also good for the York
Coffee Shop!
1958
Mixed drinking is allowed only in "Ladies and Escorts"
section of beverage rooms. This rule lasted until 1967. The York
Tavern's floor still bears the traces of the "Ladies and Escorts"
section.
Lounges and dining lounges were introduced, with mixed drinking,
but structure, furnishings and decor were strictly regulated. The Pioneer
Lounge & Dining Rooms was built--where Jimmy Mah became famous for this
sizzling steaks and Cantonese cuisine. Jimmy later operated his own Dairy Queen
in Grande Prairie.
1964
The good news was that entertainment was allowed in beverage rooms,
and a bandstand was built in the Tavern. Country and western bands have
been a staple of the York Tavern since.
The bad news was that within a year silence was no longer
required. Inspired patrons could sing along with the band. The
beverage room waiters no longer had to tell patrons to be quiet, but everyone
had to suffer the off-key, usually loud amateur singers. Fortunately
karaoke was still in the future.
1971
Beverage rooms were allowed to sell wine and spirits. Many
York Tavern patrons enjoyed the wine coolers. The legal drinking age was
lowered to 18, and a new group of patrons provided their own brand of
excitement.
1976
Dancing is allowed in beverage rooms. The York Tavern's
new dance floor is instantly popular.
1980
Elmer, the first manager of the York, passed away in April
1980. Merritt, who had been groomed by Elmer to take over management of
the York, died in December 1980.
Dwight became manager of the York and continued the family
tradition by serving for two terms as Mayor of Grande Prairie.
1981
The ALCB revokes all cabaret licenses, and the York opens
Homesteaders, operating as a quiet bar. The Liquor Board Inspectors were
so impressed at the quality of the redesign of the York's old cabaret, that they
advised licensees across
the province to follow the York's lead.
The recession begins and interest rates start to soar. The
York is one of the few Alberta hotels to stay out of receivership!
1985
Sunday liquor service become legal. The York Tavern is now
open seven days a week.
1992
Video lottery terminals are introduced into the Pioneer Lounge.
1998
The Hotel York owners, staff, and patrons celebrate its 50th
anniversary as Grande Prairie's Hospitality Center.
(Excerpted from a speech by Bruce Logan, 1998)
