Drunken behaviour by the mayor of a northeastern B.C. city has led its council to put a number of restrictions on his actions, including banning him from travelling or being alone with female employees.
Fort St. John Mayor Bruce Lantz is now prohibited from travelling outside of the region as a city representative unless he is joined by another councillor. He also isn't allowed to be alone with any female city staffer.
The restrictions come after council received a complaint regarding "unacceptable" conduct at two separate events last year, although members will not elaborate on the specifics.
Lantz offered an explanation for the behavior during a council meeting Monday, saying he relapsed into alcoholism after suffering a heart attack two years ago.
"Many people have demons in their lives. Mine has always been alcohol," he said, adding that he had been sober for 30 years before his recent fall off the wagon.
Lantz said he drank "to excess" on several occasions, that led to the accusations.
He said neither incident involved city staff or warranted any criminal charges.
Lantz offered an apology to his council and the residents of his city.
"I want to stress has at no time this has prevented me from doing my job," he said. "Obviously this is not particularly easy for anyone involved."
He said he has stopped drinking again and pledged to improve substance abuse services in the northeastern part of the province.
