City council has nothing against beer, but they don't want to make it easier for people to drink it at the Interior Savings Centre.

Council has opted not to endorse a request to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to allow vendors to expand liquor sales to seated sports fans.

Councillors Ken Christian, Nelly Dever and Pat Wallace voted in favour of the motion Tuesday while colleagues Donovan Cavers, Marg Spina, Arjun Singh, Tina Lange and Nancy Bepple were opposed.

Mayor Peter Milobar excused himself from the discussion.

It was Christian who proposed the motion; saying beer hawkers are a good way to get beer to the people who want it.

"We already have beer in the stands," he said. "Do you want to have Mr. Spillycups with his box of popcorn trying to walk in front of you or do you want someone with lids on the containers coming to you?"

Those who opposed to the idea believe it would hurt the otherwise family nature of Blazers hockey games.

"I don't think it will add to the enjoyment of the Blazers games," said Spina.

A joint committee of representatives from the City, Kamloops Blazers and Compass Foods asked council to support the request to the liquor branch.

Jeff Putnam, recreation facilities manager for City, told The Daily News last week the move would improve customer service and add value for patrons at the ISC.

But Lange disagreed, saying the City could be held responsible for over serving or selling liquor to a minor. And she believes selling alcohol in the stands would create more work for police on game nights.

"I'm suggesting we would also be liable," she said.

Wallace believes Blazers fans need to be given some credit. She said people are capable of policing themselves.

"It's up to you to be responsible for yourself," she said.

Dever said the idea is at least worth a pilot project to see if it will work. She's talked with patrons at Blazers game who would like to have the beer come to them.

"There's nothing wrong with giving the Blazers the opportunity to make more money," she said.

Byron McCorkell, the director of parks, recreation and cultural services at the City, anticipates the beer hawkers would bring in about $500 a game - which is on par with what lounge sales are now.

Calls to the Kamloops Blazers were not returned Tuesday night.