ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

TO:

Standing Committee on Planning and Environment

FROM:

Chief License Inspector

SUBJECT:

1088 Burrard Street (1001 Hornby St.) - 448864 BC Ltd.
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel - Class `A' Lounge

 

RECOMMENDATION

GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

COUNCIL POLICY

Council policy is to waive the requirement for a neighbourhood notification for small lobby lounges in full service hotels located in the downtown core.

PURPOSE

448864 BC Ltd., doing business as the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel, is requesting a Council resolution endorsing its application for an amendment to its existing Class `A' Lounge liquor license number 184925 to increase seating capacity by 75 to encompass the recent hotel expansion in the new North Tower at 1088 Burrard Street (1001 Hornby Street).
BACKGROUND

The applicant currently has a Class `A' Lounge liquor license for a 45-seat lounge in the South Tower of the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel. This request is for a capacity increase of 75-seats for a second lounge area in the recently constructed North Tower hotel expansion. Although the approved occupant load is for 75-seats, the seating capacity could vary depending upon the configuration of the furniture. The lounge will operate in a similar manner to other comparable hotels. Low-key taped background music or a pianist will provide the only entertainment.

The hours of operation will be Monday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. The existing Wall Centre lounge has caused no significant incidents since opening.

Class `A' Lounge (Hotel) Regulations and Policies

The application meets all requirements set out by Liquor Control and Licensing Branch policies.

Area Surrounding Subject Premises

The subject premises are located in the DD Downtown zoning district. The surrounding area is a mixture of retail, office, hotels and residential apartment buildings. St. Paul's Hospital is located across Burrard Street (refer to appendix).

Within the survey area are six Class `A' Lounges (870 seats), two Class `A' Pubs (538 seats) and approximately 24 liquor licensed restaurants. There are two provincial liquor stores in the vicinity, one at 1120 Alberni and the other at 1155 Bute, along with a privately owned wine store at 1034 Davie.

DISCUSSION

Policy Issues

As a major hotel development, the small lobby lounge is excluded from Council's West End and Downtown Granville South liquor policies. Council policy is to assess small hotel lounge applications on a case-by-case basis.

For the purpose of expediency, staff's recommendation is to extend the existing liquor license by 75-seats. The provincial liquor licensing process for amending an existing license is significantly quicker than the process required for a new license.

Should the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch determine that in this situation it would be more appropriate to issue a new liquor license for this lounge, it would still result in the same 75-seats being located in the new tower.

BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSAL

Staff has generally found that small Class 'A' Lounges which are fully integrated with a major hotel lobby do not generate policing or other community issues.

RESULTS OF NOTIFICATION

No neighbourhood notification was conducted in view of the fact that Council policy exempts applications for hotels and other major complexes in the downtown core. Furthermore, the minimal impact of this type and size liquor license eliminates the need for notification.

COMMENTS

The Police Department has no objections provided that the lounge is not subleased.

The Development Services Department has reviewed the application and notes the site is zoned CD-1 Comprehensive Development District.

On July 12, 1999, Development Permit Number DE403708 was issued permitting the construction of a 47-storey hotel complex with accessory retail and restaurant space. While a lounge is considered to be an ancillary use to the hotel, a review of records indicates that the proposed lounge location is not in accordance with the area indicated on the approved drawings. Therefore, it will be necessary to make a Minor Amendment application to the existing Development Permit, confirming any changes agreed upon.

The Vancouver/Richmond Health Board has no concerns.

CONCLUSION

Given the relative benign nature of small lobby lounge operations in major hotel developments, staff is recommending Council endorse the application.

ATTACHMENTS THAT DO NOT HAVE ELECTRONIC COPY ARE AVAILABLE ON FILE IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE

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