ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: November 19, 1997

Author/Local: Paul Teichroeb/7545

CC File No. 2614-8

TO: Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission

FROM: Chief License Inspector

SUBJECT: 620 Seymour Street - KMann Investments Ltd.

Class ‘C’ Cabaret Liquor License

RECOMMENDATION

A.THAT the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission direct that consideration of the application by KMann Investments Ltd., for a 350-seat Class ‘C’ Cabaret at 620 Seymour Street be subject to the results of a referendum conducted in accordance with existing City guidelines; or

B.THAT the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission endorse the application by KMann Investments Ltd., for a 350-seat Class ‘C’ Cabaret at 620 Seymour Street, having considered the opinion of the area residents and business operators as determined through the neighbourhood notification process and subject to the issuance of a renewable time-limited Development Permit for a period of six months; or

C.THAT the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission advise the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch it does not endorse the request by KMann Investments Ltd., for a 350-seat Class ‘C’ Cabaret at 620 Seymour Street.

GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

In view of the comments and concerns noted in this report, the General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS C.

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COUNCIL POLICY

Council Policy requires that new liquor license applications and amendments to existing licenses be subject to a referendum prior to receiving final consideration if the premises are located in close proximity to residential accommodation.

PURPOSE

KMann Investments Ltd., is requesting a City Council resolution endorsing an application for a 350-seat Class ‘C’ Cabaret at 620 Seymour Street.

BACKGROUND

This application is for a Class ‘C’ Cabaret with 350-seats, which is the maximum size allowed under Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) guidelines. The proposed hours of operation also comply with LCLB guidelines, which are: Monday to Saturday 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight on Sunday.

The applicants propose to build and operate an upscale modern venue which will appeal to patrons over the age of 25. The premises will be separated into two areas for added ambiance, with a wine bar in addition to the traditional cabaret dance area. The type of entertainment will be live bands, DJ’s and comedians.

The applicants are experienced in the development and management of cabarets and already operate the Wild Coyote Cabaret at 1312 S.W. Marine and the Big Bam Boo Cabaret at 1236 West Broadway.

The subject premises are located in the DD (Downtown District) and the surrounding area is a mixture of retail, office and restaurant uses. Also included in the survey area is the BCIT Downtown Campus, Christchurch Cathedral, the Salvation Army Central Residence, which is located across the rear lane, and approximately nine residential hotels. The nearest owner occupied apartments are approximately two blocks to the north.

Also within the survey area is seven Class ‘A’ Pubs (1228 seats), ten Class ‘A’ Lounges (1461 seats) one Class ‘C’ Cabaret (199 seats) and approximately 34 licensed restaurants. The closest government liquor store is at 555 West Hastings Street.

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COMMENTS

The Police Department is of the opinion that 350-seats are too many and that there are already enough cabarets in the downtown area.

The Environmental Health Division of the Health Board has no objection as long as the applicant takes steps to adequately soundproof the building. A report from an acoustic consultant will be required. There is some concern over noise resulting from patrons gathering outside the cabaret, which could impact on the residents of Dunsmuir House (operated by the Salvation Army) in the 500 block Dunsmuir.

The Social Planning Department is concerned that no Council Policy exists for the Central Business District, apart from the Theatre Row Entertainment district. There is also concern over late night noise disturbing the residents of the Salvation Army’s Dunsmuir House at the corner of Richards and Dunsmuir.

The Housing Centre notes that there are six to eight buildings, two of which may be in the process of converting, providing longer term residential accommodation within 1,000-foot radius of this site. Approximately 700 residents could be significantly affected, particularly the 166 tenants of the Salvation Army’s Dunsmuir House, along with approximately 300 who are tenants of buildings that already have licensed premises.

Encouraging entertainment activities in the Central Business District makes sense if there are few residents, but if the area starts to evolve as an entertainment district, such as the 900 and 1000 blocks of Granville Street, there may be pressure to restrict residential uses as there was on Granville Street. This could affect the ability of the City to achieve its low-income housing objectives.

Before further liquor applications are approved in this part of the Central Business District, it is suggested that a review be undertaken.

Central Area Planning notes that this is an area Council recently approved policies which continue to permit up to 3.0 FSR residential and will allow site specific rezoning for more housing to be considered. This particular site is near several SRO hotels and a shelter. It will also have impacts on future housing anticipated in nearby Victory Square by reinforcing later night pubs in that area. Such neighbourhood impacts are all the more likely because the proposed establishment is in a stand alone existing low-density building.

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The Downtown Liquor Licensing Policy identifies the Central Business District as an area which should be reviewed to establish an entertainment strategy. This is especially important where more housing is anticipated. Should a cabaret be permitted in this part of the Central Business District in advance of such a strategy, it should be designed to minimize impacts on existing and potential neighbours and meet the requirements of a policing strategy. In addition, as in Theatre Row, consideration should be given to requesting that the project help meet other City objectives such as reducing the number of existing licensed seats from nearby residential areas, saving heritage or contributing to needed housing.

CONCLUSION

This application is for a 350-seat Class ‘C’ Cabaret located in the Central Business District with a limited amount of residential located in close proximity. Concerns raised from various departments centre on the possible impacts on the existing residential as well as future residential developments in this area. The Police Department is also concerned with the size of the facility and their ability to respond to incidents in the Downtown Core at the 2:00 a.m. closing time.

Staff note that there is currently no Council policy relating to liquor licensed premises in the Central Business District and, therefore, are recommending this application not be endorsed.

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(c) 1997 City of Vancouver