You can now buy beer and coolers at the Cavendish Beach canteen in the P.E.I. National Park.

P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission officials said they are trying this as a pilot project at the privately-run canteen.

The liquor is not allowed on the actual beach. It has to be consumed on the patio of the canteen area.

"We were certainly mindful that it was a first," said Jamie MacLeod, the commission's director of corporate services.

"There were some comments within the liquor commission that it's a service that is available, if you will, in southern countries, be it Jamaica, Dominican etc., etc. And we saw this as, obviously not to the extent of those southern countries, but a step forward for P.E.I. and we'll see how it plays out."

The beer and cooler sales started more than a week ago.

The Cavendish municipal council supported the licensing application and Parks Canada had no objections.