SUPPORTS ITEM NO. 1

VLLC AGENDA

OCTOBER 9, 1997

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: September 19, 1997

File: 757 W. Hastings St.

C.C. File: 2613-6

TO: Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission

FROM: Chief License Inspector

SUBJECT: 757 West Hastings Street - R.J. Clarke Resources Inc.

Restaurant - Class 2

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission endorse the request by R.J. Clarke Resources Inc. for a 315-seat (which includes a 20-seat banquet room) Restaurant - Class 2 at 757 West Hastings Street, having considered the support of residents and business operators of the community as determined by neighbourhood notification.

GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.

COUNCIL POLICY

Council policy requires that new liquor license applications and amendments to existing licenses be subject to a neighbourhood notification process prior to receiving final consideration and a referendum if the premises are located in close proximity to residential accommodation.

PURPOSE

R.J. Clarke Resources Inc. is requesting a City Council resolution endorsing the application for a 315-seat (which includes a separate 20-seat banquet room) Restaurant - Class 2 at 757 West Hastings Street.

BACKGROUND

The proposed restaurant, to be known as RJ’S Restaurant and Jazz Bistro, will be located on the lower mall of the Sinclair Centre. During the extensive refit of the centre during 1995/96, this space was originally designed as a restaurant, although until recently it has been occupied by a Federal Government department.

The concepts envision a fine dining restaurant and a jazz bistro providing live jazz music. It should be noted that a retail tobacco and cigar store are also planned for this location. The hours of operation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, as Liquor Control and Licensing Branch regulations require midnight closing if entertainment is provided.

The subject premise is located in the DD (Downtown) zoning district. The surrounding area is a mixture of retail, high-rise commercial towers, hotels and shopping malls (Appendix A).

Located in the survey area are three Class 'C' Cabarets (598 seats), four Class 'A' Pubs (612 seats), one Class 'A' Lounge (220 seats) and 18 licensed restaurants. The closest Provincial Government liquor store is located at 555 West Hastings Street.

COMMENTS

The Police Department has no objection to this application.

The Health Board inspector has discussed the smoke-free by-law requirements with the applicant, and as the restaurant intends to comply with the by-law, there are no objections to the application.

The Planning Department has no objection but points out that a Development Permit will be required.

The Social Planning Department and the Housing Centre have no comments.

CONCLUSION

This proposed Restaurant-Class 2 is not expected to have any noise impact on the surrounding district as there is little residential accommodation located in the survey area. The premise was originally designed as a restaurant, which is compatible with the other uses in the area. Staff is therefor recommending endorsement of this application without a referendum.

* * * * *

(c) 1997 City of Vancouver