ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

TO:

Standing Committee on Planning & Environment

FROM:

Chief License Inspector

SUBJECT:

1412 Cartwright Street - Class `E' Concert Hall
Granville Island Cultural Society - Waterfront Theatre & Performance Works

 

RECOMMENDATION

GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

COUNCIL POLICY

There is no Council policy related to this application.

PURPOSE

Granville Island Cultural Society is requesting a Council resolution endorsing their request for a Class `E' Concert Hall at Waterfront Theatre & Performance Works, located at 1412 Cartwright Street.

As this application was in process prior to the enactment of the new liquor regulations, it must be processed by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch under the regulations in place at the time of the application.

BACKGROUND

Granville Island Cultural Society is applying for a Class `E' Concert Hall liquor license at 1412 Cartwright Street, as the previous Class `A' Lounge Theatre liquor license lapsed and was cancelled by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.

The Class `E' category is event-driven and the public attends either to view or to participate in an event. The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch had defined a concert hall as: "a large room where the public gathers to view live performances of music, singing, dancing, or acting." All types of liquor may be sold, subject to limitation by the General Manager. All beverages are served in disposable containers, unless otherwise approved by the General Manager. Minors are allowed to be present, subject to limitation by the General Manager. The seating area is not generally licensed for liquor service.

In accordance with Liquor Control and Licensing Branch policy prior to December 2, 2002, the hours of operation would be restricted to 60 minutes prior to a performance, during intermission, and 60 minutes after a performance. Council should be aware the applicant had requested the hours of operation to be 90 minutes prior to a performance, during intermission, and up to 120 minutes after a performance. Staff cannot support this request as there does not seem to be a strong rationale to consider longer hours of liquor service. Furthermore, extended hours of liquor service, particularly after a performance, may begin to shift the focus of the business to that of a pub and increase the potential negative impacts on the surrounding community.

The Granville Island Cultural Society is proposing to license the approximately 700 square foot lobby of the theatre facility where the liquor service bar is located, which they estimate should have a capacity of 75 patrons. However, staff estimate that the seating capacity of the lobby area as described based on floor area regulations would be roughly 55 patrons.

Area Surrounding Subject Premises

The subject premises is located in a FCCDD False Creek Comprehensive Development District. The surrounding area is a mixture of residential, hotel, retail, restaurant and recreation uses. The closest residential units are located along Lamey's Mill Road and West 2nd Avenue, near the entrance to Granville Island.

There are two Class `A' Lounges (537 seats), one Class `D' Neighbourhood Pub (100 seats) and six licensed restaurants within a 1000' radius of the site. In addition, there are two Retail Liquor Stores, located at 1441 Cartwright Street and 1689 Johnston Street, and a U-Brew/U-Vin business located at 1535 Johnston Street. There are no provincial liquor stores located within the 1000' radius.

RESULTS OF NEIGHBOURHOOD NOTIFICATION

A neighbourhood notification was conducted by circulating 874 notices in the area (refer to Appendix A). A sign advising of the application was also erected on the site. All responses and comments were to be submitted within a three week time period. During this time, 7 responses to the notification were received in opposition, 1 unsure, and none were received in favour.

The residents opposing the application expressed concern regarding noise disturbances as a result of liquor service until 2:00 a.m., increased traffic and noise for Granville Island, and that another licensed establishment is not in line with the cultural ambience of the neighbourhood. All seven respondents stressed their concern with the 2:00 a.m. closing, and felt the late closing hour was excessive.

DISCUSSION

Staff feel that as the premise had contained a previous liquor license there should be little impact with the approval of a similar liquor license. The results of the neighbourhood notification (only 7 responses) indicated there is little opposition to this application.

Staff, however, cannot support the applicant's request for longer hours of liquor service prior to and after a performance as there does not seem to be compelling arguments for the longer hours of liquor service and the probability that the extended hours will contribute to additional street noise from patrons leaving the theatre. Additional noise was a concern raised by residents opposed to the application.

COMMENTS

The Police Department has no concern whether the license is approved for 60 minutes or 90 minutes prior to a performance. Alcohol service must not extend beyond 2:00 a.m.

The Development Services Department has reviewed this application and notes that the site is zoned FCCDD ( False Creek Comprehensive Development District), and the existing building is currently approved as a "theatre".

The Vancouver/Richmond Health Board has no concern for this application provided that the hours of liquor service are limited to 60 minutes prior to a performance, during intermission, and 60 minutes after a performance.

Social Planning Department and The Housing Centre have no comments.

CONCLUSION

Given the limited response to the neighbourhood notification and the fact that a similar liquor license had existed previously at this site, staff recommend approval of the applicant's request for a Class `E' Concert Hall liquor license subject to the conditions listed. Staff are not recommending Council support the longer hours of liquor service requested by the applicant.

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pe20030313.htm

Appendix A

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© 2002 City of Vancouver