ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: November 19, 1997

Author/Local: Paul Teichroeb/7545

CC File No. 2615-7

TO:	Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission
FROM:	Chief License Inspector
SUBJECT:	1025 Davie Street - Class ‘D’ Neighbourhood Pub

CONSIDERATION

A.THAT the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission direct that consideration of the application by 546679 B.C. Ltd., for a Class ‘D’ Neighbourhood Pub with 65-seats plus a 20-seat patio on private property (subject to the patio closing at 11:00 p.m.) at 1025 Davie Street be subject to the results of a referendum conducted in accordance with existing City guidelines; or

BTHAT the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission advise the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch it does not endorse the request by 546679 B.C. Ltd., for a Class ‘D’ Neighbourhood Pub with 65-seats plus a 20-seat patio on private property (subject to the patio closing at 11:0 p.m.) at 1025 Davie Street having considered the opinion of the area residents and business operators as determined through the neighbourhood notification process.

GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services submits the choice of A or B for CONSIDERATION.

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

546679 B.C. Ltd., is requesting a City Council resolution endorsing its application for a Class ‘D’ Neighbourhood Pub with 65-seats plus a 20-seat patio on private property at 1025 Davie Street.

BACKGROUND

The proposal is for a 65-seat Class ‘D’ Neighbourhood Pub with a 20-seat (500 sq. ft.) patio on private property, located in a building which previously housed a bank.

The storefront is recessed from the sidewalk and glass windows will run the full length of the premises to retain full street presence. The patio and public walkway will be separated by 4 to 5 foot iron work detailing. The patio area will be fully enclosed and designed to retain the current tree planters along with other plants, shrubs and a fountain, which represents the proposed name of the pub -- The Fountainhead: a West End Pub.

The proposed hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight on Sunday.

Proposed security features for the premises include a controlled line up on the building property apron, which will neither block the exit nor pedestrian walkway, and a video camera surveillance system.

The applicants plan to create an atmosphere similar to that of a piano bar, although other entertainment such as televisions, stereo, drag shows and comics are also planned.

The subject premises are located in a C-5 (West End) zoning district. The surrounding area is a mixture of retail, restaurant, office, institutional, cabaret, hotel and multi residential uses. Celebrities Cabaret is located directly across the street. There is a significant amount of residential premises within the survey area, including a number of apartment buildingswithin a one block radius and a new tower under construction on the same block.

There is one Class ‘A’ Pub (300 seats), three Class ‘C’ Cabarets (757 seats), three Class ‘A’Lounges (294 seats) and 25 licensed restaurants in the neighbourhood. The closest provincial government liquor store is located at 1155 Bute Street and there is an estate wine store at 1034 Davie Street.

The applicants propose this pub to be a unique venue catering to the West End’s diverse community. The four directors of 546679 B.C. Ltd., who are all residents of the West End, are aware of concerns over noise and crowd dispersal, and intend to have continued dialogue with community police.

The applicants are committed to becoming part of a vibrant pedestrian link between English Bay and Yaletown/Concord Pacific and have adopted the following Mission Statement.

"By using established and proven business principles, our mission is to provide a casual, enjoyable and safe neighbourhood pub which offers quality products and services and which is committed to enhancing both our community and the greater community."

The results of the neighbourhood notification process on this application will be provided to the Commission at its meeting.

COMMENTS

The Police Department has no concerns.

The Planning Department notes that the building currently contains a variety of commercial uses including Retail, Office Restaurant-Class 1, Health Care Offices and Financial Institution.

Neighbourhood Public House is a conditional approval use in the C-5 zone, and any proposal to change the use of existing space would require the submission of a Development Permit

Application.

The review process for such a proposal would include an assessment of the compatibility with surrounding uses. As well, a proposal of this type would be assessed against the applicable sections of the Parking Bylaw to ensure adequate off-street parking and loading spaces were being provided.

The Environmental Health Division of the Health Board does not oppose this application, but does have concerns regarding the outdoor seating. The proposed location of the outdoor seating makes it difficult to determine the noise impact on the surrounding residential units at this time. A detailed acoustical analysis would be conducted at the Development Permit application stage.

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

CONCLUSION

This application is for an 85-seat (65 inside and 20 on a patio) neighbourhood pub which meets the zoning requirements of the Davie Street area. There may be some neighbourhood impacts related to noise with the patio identified as the area of concern and, therefore, the recommendation includes a maximum 11:00 p.m. closing for the patio. Neighbourhood response to the notification will provide Council with further input as to whether this use will be supported by the area.

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(c) 1997 City of Vancouver