REPORT TO COUNCIL
VANCOUVER LIQUOR LICENSING COMMISSION
December 7, 1995
A Regular Meeting of the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission was
held on Thursday, December 7, 1995 at approximately 7:30 p.m. in
Committee Room No. 2, third floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Kennedy, Chair
Councillor Hemer
Councillor Ip
Councillor Kwan
ALSO PRESENT: Judy Rogers, Assistant City Manager
Paul Teichroeb, Deputy Chief License Inspector
Nathan Edelson, Planner, Central Area Planning
CLERK: Jean Sharpe
RECOMMENDATION
1. 435 West Pender Street - Niagara Hotel File: 2611-30
Class 'A' Pub - Change of Hours
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated July
31, 1995 (on file), in which the Deputy Chief License Inspector
presented for consideration an application by West Pender Enterprises
Ltd., doing business as the Niagara Hotel, for a change of hours in the
Class 'A' Pub at 453 West Pender Street. The requested change of hours
would allow the Pub to open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday to
Saturday, instead of 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.
Mr. Paul Teichroeb, Deputy Chief License Inspector, reviewed the
report and commented on the surrounding area. The Police Department
reported that they are generally not in favour of late pub closing
because of problems that occur after midnight, but noted the
establishment was well run. The Environmental Health Division had no
objection as there had been no complaints and the facility is in
generally good condition. The Social Planning Department and the
Central Area Planner were opposed to this application because of the
current Victory Square planning process, and the future housing proposed
for this area. Mr. Teichroeb also noted that the present Provincial
liquor regulations do not allow for a temporary trial period.
cont'd....
Clause No. 1 (cont'd)
Mr. Rick Erdman, representing the applicant, Mr. Stan Antich,
owner, and Mr. Ron Teti, Manager of the Niagara Hotel, presented the
original petition of 38 signatures, and 13 letters (on file) supporting
the application. Mr. Erdman hoped the submission (on file) had
addressed any potential concerns with its application. In the past
year, under new ownership, the Hotel has upgraded the entertainment by
offering its clientele alternate music which has seen increased public
interest in its entertainment. He noted the strong support of the local
area business, residents and music industry. Should the application
be successful, the bands will cease playing at 12:30 a.m., and will
enable patrons to exit at varying intervals. The extra time will allow
three local bands to perform instead of the current two and also give
them a level playing field with other establishments that close later.
He did not think they would be a drain on Police resources due to the
new format and type of clientele that frequent the Niagara Hotel. Mr.
Erdman advised there had been consultation with the LC&LB whereby a
probationary license would be allowed and reviewed after one year, but
to date, no confirmation of this from the LC&LB.
Mr. Teichroeb advised that the City would be a third party to any
agreement between the applicant and LC&LB and was not aware of this
proposal.
Mr. Edelson was impressed with the changes made by the Niagara
Hotel but was concerned this would affect the proposed residential
community.
In response to questions, Mr. Erdman advised the Hotel is buffered
from the residential development in the next block to the west on Pender
and Seymour.
In discussion, Commission members considered the good track record
of the Niagara Hotel, noting the issue was the proposed residential
growth in the area. Concern was expressed with the impact on the
Victory Square planning program still to be considered by Council. It
was, however, acknowledged that it will be several years before a build-
up of this area is realised following the planning process. It was also
hoped the applicant would continue discussions with LC&LB to allow for a
probationary period, as this would be beneficial to everyone.
cont'd....
Clause No. 1 (cont'd)
The following motion by Councillor Hemer was put and CARRIED.
Therefore, the Commission
RESOLVED
THAT the request by the Niagara Hotel for a change of hours in the
Class 'A' Pub at 435 West Pender Street, be subject to the results
of a referendum conducted in accordance with existing City
guidelines.
(Councillor Kwan opposed)
* * *
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 p.m.