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CITY OF VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER LIQUOR LICENSING COMMISSION
October 24, 1996
A regular meeting of the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission was
held on Thursday, October 24, 1996, at approximately 7:30 p.m. in
Committee Room No. 2, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Kennedy, Chair
Councillor Hemer
Councillor Ip
ABSENT: Councillor Kwan (Leave of Absence)
ALSO
PRESENT: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
Paul Teichroeb, Deputy Chief License Inspector
Domenic Losito, Director, Environmental Health
S/Sgt. Doug MacKay-Dunn, Police Department
CLERK: Rae T. Wylson
POWER TO ACT
On January 11, 1994, Council, by the required majority, granted the
Commission Power to Act on all unanimous decisions. The decisions of
the Commission contained herein are unanimous and, therefore, stand
approved.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission meeting of
September 26, 1996, were adopted as circulated.
1. 777 Pacific Boulevard - B.C. Place Stadium
Class 'E' Stadium Liquor License File:2615-9
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated October
2, 1996 (on file), in which the Deputy Chief License Inspector advised
of B.C. Pavilion Corporation s request for a City Council resolution
endorsing its application for a Class 'E' Stadium liquor license at B.C.
Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Boulevard.
cont'd....
Clause No. 1 (cont'd)
Paul Teichroeb, Deputy Chief License Inspector, advised a Class 'E'
license would formalize the existing liquor practices at this facility.
The following motion by Councillor Hemer was put and carried.
Therefore the Commission,
RESOLVED
THAT the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission endorse the request
from the B.C. Pavilion Corporation for a Class 'E' Stadium liquor
license at B.C. Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Boulevard.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. 789 Homer (New Hotel) - 455322 B.C. Ltd.
Class 'A' Lounge Liquor License File:2611-37
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated October
7, 1996 (on file), in which the Deputy Chief License Inspector advised
of 455322 B.C. Ltd.'s request for a City Council resolution endorsing
its application for a Class 'A' Lounge in three separate areas with a
patron capacity of 225, 104 and 60 respectively, plus an outdoor patio
consisting of 50 seats, in the hotel to be constructed at 789 Homer
Street.
Paul Teichroeb, Deputy Chief License Inspector, reviewed
particulars of the report including the location of the project and the
nature and number of licensed premises in the area. Mr. Teichroeb noted
that staff recommend an 11:00 p.m. patio closing time.
Discussion ensued regarding closing times of other licensed patios
in the area. Most close at 11:00 p.m. Clarification was provided that
the patio at this hotel will be closed and the patrons dispersed by
11:00 p.m.
Dennis Coates, Mair Jensen Blair, representing the applicant,
circulated a brief and floor plan (on file).
cont'd....
Clause No. 2 (cont'd)
Raphael Barta, applicant, advised the application is for a
26-storey, 227-room, executive all-suites hotel which will seek a four
star rating. It is located in the transition zone between Yaletown and
the Ford Theatre and the Downtown core.
In response to questions from the Commission, Mr. Barta advised the
licensed patio is on a setback and as such is not located on City
property. The developers have had extensive discussions with the City's
Planning Department regarding the patio and as a result the patio area
has become quite defined. Work has begun to prepare the site and the
hotel is projected to open in December 1998.
The following motion by Councillor Hemer was put and carried.
Therefore the Commission,
RESOLVED
THAT Council endorse the request from 455322 B.C. Ltd., for a Class
'A' Lounge liquor license, with 225 seats in area 1, 104 seats in
area 2, 60 seats in area 3 and a maximum 50-seat patio (subject to
Director of Planning review), in a new hotel complex at 789 Homer
Street, subject to the outdoor patio closing at 11:00 p.m.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. 1150 Station Street - 484946 B.C. Ltd.
Class 'D' Neighbourhood Pub File: 2614-13
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated October
7, 1996 (on file), in which the Deputy Chief License Inspector advised
of 484946 B.C. Ltd. s request for a City Council resolution endorsing
its application for a 30-seat Class 'D' Neighbourhood Pub at 1150
Station Street. The proposed hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 11:00
p.m., seven days a week.
Paul Teichroeb, Deputy Chief License Inspector, reviewed
particulars of the report including the location of the project and the
nature and number of licensed premises in the area. Mr. Teichroeb noted
staff generally support this application but recommend a referendum to
determine neighbourhood support.
cont'd....
Clause No. 3 (cont'd)
S/Sgt. Doug MacKay-Dunn, Vancouver Police Department, advised of
Police concerns. This establishment is in close proximity to several
problematic venues in the area. An increase in seats at this location
may increase the already high demand for Police services in downtown
eastside. The Police recommend a neighbourhood referendum be conducted.
Dennis Coates, Mair Jensen Blair, representing the applicant,
advised the applicant's proposal is for a venue similar in nature to an
airport lounge. Its hours will coordinate with bus and train schedules
at the station. The applicant feels problematic patrons will not be
attracted to the pub given its location within the station.
In response to questions from the Commission, Mr. Coates clarified
that VIA Rail has provided the applicant with a lease, dependant upon
the outcome of the application process. It was noted that VIA Rail and
the bus lines support this application.
Dan Greenwood, applicant, advised this venue will be a simple
little lounge intended for the customers of the rail and bus lines. Mr.
Greenwood confirmed there will be no off-premise sales.
James Terry, Vice President Guest Services, Rocky Mountaineer Rail
Tours, advised of his company's opposition to this application. Rocky
Mountaineer Rail Tours has concerns with the possibility of a licensed
premise in this location. The concerns noted included:
- there are already problems with panhandlers and drunks in this
area;
- a licensed premise may necessitate increased security to ensure the
safety of the offices in the building; and
- the rails are a particularly dangerous area, especially for
intoxicated persons.
In response to questions from the Commission, Mr. Terry advised
Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tours has approximately 44,000 passengers during
the six-month period it operates. Its train departs at 8:00 a.m. and
arrives at 5:30 p.m. VIA Rail runs three trains per week, arriving at
8:30 a.m. and departing at 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Terry clarified that present security consists of two and
sometimes three people on shift at one time.
cont'd....
Clause No. 3 (cont'd)
Mark Tradine, Manager, Customer Services, VIA Rail and Manager of
the Train Station, advised that VIA Rail, Greyhound and the Station
Management Group support this application. It is felt the applicant
will provide a much needed place for the station's passengers to sit and
relax.
With regard to security, Mr. Tradine advised there are few
break-ins at the station. The main security concern is with passengers
who miss connections and hope to stay overnight in the station.
Concerning the station's schedule, Mr. Tradine confirmed the hours
of operation are 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. With regard to bus
schedules, the first buses depart at 5:45 a.m. and the last arrival is
at 12:00 midnight. There are presently two or three departures after
11:00 p.m. on any given evening year-round.
In response to questions from the Commission, Mr. Coates confirmed
it is the applicant's intent to serve specialty coffees to morning
passengers. The specialty coffee area is located directly in front and
outside of the licensed area.
The Commission requested and received clarification from staff that
the number of seats could not be increased without an increase in square
footage and approval from the Commission.
The following motion by Councillor Hemer was put and carried.
Therefore the Commission,
RESOLVED
THAT the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission direct that
consideration of the request by 484946 B.C. Ltd., for a Class 'D'
Neighbourhood Pub liquor license at 1150 Station Street, be subject
to the results of a referendum conducted in accordance with
existing City guidelines and also subject to no entertainment or
off-premise sales.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. 2784-2786 East Hastings Street - Steve Wong
Class 'D' Neighbourhood Pub File: 2614-12
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated October
9, 1996 (on file), in which the Deputy Chief License Inspector advised
of Mr. Steve Wong's request for a City Council resolution endorsing his
application for a 65-seat Class 'D' Neighbourhood Pub at 2784-2786 East
Hastings Street.
The Chair acknowledged the approximately 25 people in attendance at
the meeting concerning this item and requested a show of hands for those
in support of the application. No support was indicated. Following
this unofficial survey, staff and the applicant were invited to comment.
Paul Teichroeb, Deputy Chief License Inspector, advised the
location of this application is near the PNE in a residential
neighbourhood. Staff recommend approval of the application be subject
to a further assessment of impacts to the neighbourhood and improvements
to the building. Staff have specific concerns regarding the proximity
of this establishment to the residential neighbourhood. As well,
response to the area notification has indicated considerable opposition.
In addition to these concerns, the question of off-premise sales is yet
to be addressed by the applicant.
Tom Chow, the applicant's landlord, advised the applicant, Mr.
Wong, conducted a private survey in the surrounding area which indicated
support for the application. Mr. Chow noted Mr. Wong is willing to
comply with the City's requirements in order to gain the Commission's
approval for the application. Mr. Chow further noted that Mr. Wong has
had experience operating a 250-seat nightclub and has confidence in his
ability to deal with any challenges which may arise in the operation of
this 65-seat neighbourhood pub.
Steve Wong, applicant, advised the Deputy Chief License Inspector
was provided with the results of his private survey. Mr. Wong noted
entertainment will consist of TV stands and music. With regard to
parking, there are 22 stalls beside the building with an entrance from
Hastings Street.
In response to questions from the Commission, Mr. Teichroeb
confirmed receipt of the applicant's aforementioned survey. The results
of the survey were not what staff would consider valid and so were not
submitted for the Commission's consideration.
cont'd....
Clause No. 4 (cont'd)
In the ensuing discussion, the members of the Commission noted the
correspondence and telephone calls each received expressing opposition
to the application. Further, the Commission noted the number of
speakers and public present at the meeting also expressing opposition to
the application.
The following motion by Councillor Hemer was put and carried.
Therefore the Commission,
RESOLVED
THAT the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission advise the Liquor
Control and Licensing Branch it does not support the request by
Steve Wong for a Class 'D' Neighbourhood Pub liquor license at
2784-2786 East Hastings Street.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Noise Complaints: Big Bam Boo Club File:2613-3
The Commission had before it an item of correspondence dated
October 9, 1996 (on file), which identified concerns regarding noise
arising from the Big Bam Boo Club.
It was noted this issue was initially raised at a recently held
Noise Task Force public hearing.
Domenic Losito, Director of Environmental Health, provided a
history of the City's file on the Big Bam Boo Club. Noise concerns
regarding this venue have arisen in the past. The owners will comply
for a time following City action but gradually noise levels escalate.
The City has not taken any action to prosecute but is willing to do
so if immediate compliance is not enacted.
Stan Fiddas, Owner, Big Bam Boo Club, reviewed past endeavours to reduce noise emanating from the back doors of the Club. Mr. Fiddas
noted $500,000 has been spent in addressing this issue and in bringing
the building's fire standards up to code. The back doors, identified by
City engineers as the main problem, serve as the fire exit and the
only wheelchair entrance to the Club. With
cont'd....
Clause No. 5 (cont'd)
regard to further actions to reduce noise, the Club's sound engineer has
proposed a mute system which would cause the music to dim should the
back doors open. Another solution would be to relocate the fire
exit/wheelchair entrance to the side of the building. This option,
however, is considerably costly.
Mr. Fiddas advised the Club would be willing to cooperate with the
City to lesson the impacts of noise from its back doors on the
residential neighbourhood.
At the request of the Commission, staff provided information on the
feasibility of entering into a sustainable agreement with the Club
owner. Staff are willing to meet with the owner to initiate steps for a
formal agreement to ensure compliance with noise regulations. Such a
formal agreement would tie the business owner's license to compliance
with the agreement.
Mr. Fiddas indicated his willingness to meet with City staff
concerning noise regulations and possible solutions concerning this
issue as it relates to the Big Bam Boo Club.
OTHER BUSINESS
6. Staff Recognition
The Commission expressed its appreciation to staff for their work
over the past year.
7. Next Meeting - January 1997
The next regular VLLC meeting will take place in January 1997. The
Administrative Report from the Police providing an update on licensed
premises was deferred to that meeting.
* * *
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 p.m.