ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: December 18, 1997

Author/Local: Guy Gusdal/6461

CC File No. 2616-4

TO:	Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission
FROM:	Chief License Inspector
SUBJECT:	800 Griffiths Way - Orca Bay Arena Corp. (GM Place) Liquor Licensing for Outdoor Patios/Plazas

CONSIDERATION

THAT the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission endorse approval of the application from Orca Bay Arena Corporation for the limited use of the patios on level 300 (gates 2 and 8) and level 100 (gates 3 and 7) and the north and south plaza areas at GM Place Arena, having considered the support of residents and business operators of the community as determined by neighbourhood notification, subject to the following conditions:

·the use of the patios and plazas will not exceed one hour prior to a bona fide event and one hour after the same event;

·applicant will dialogue with the Police Department on any pre and post event usage;

·patio/plaza fencing and a fire safety plan are to be to the satisfaction of the Vancouver Fire Department.

GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services submits the foregoing for CONSIDERATION.

COUNCIL POLICY

Council Policy is to not require a referendum for a new Class ‘A’ licensed hotel, provided it is illustrated that there is little or no community opposition as determined by the neighbourhood notification.

PURPOSE

Orca Bay Arena Corporation is requesting a City Council resolution endorsing its application to expand the number of licensed patio areas outside other gates at GM Place and the use of the north and south plaza areas for brief periods of time prior to, during and after bona fide arena events.

BACKGROUND

The subject premises are located in the CD-1 (311) zoning district. The surrounding area is currently under development for high-rise condominium and apartment buildings. The stadium is located between the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts, with BC Place Stadium as the most immediate neighbour, directly south of the site. The surrounding area consists of retail, office, park, Casino Class 1, cabaret, hotel and residential uses. The closest residential buildings are located approximately one block directly north of the subject site. The Stadium SkyTrain Station is located adjacent to the subject site.

DISCUSSION

Orca Bay Arena Corporation has advised that the additional outdoor areas will only be used in conjunction with bona fide arena events and that the majority of post-game use will be contained to the on-grade plaza areas. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will also be dispensed in the designated areas. Food and beverages will be serviced from portable stands.

The patios and plaza areas will be secured from the adjacent public spaces by portable security fences and will be monitored at all times while in use by GM Place security staff. All fencing and portable service stands will be removed after each event.

The building is currently licensed as a Class ‘E’ Stadium with a seating capacity of 22,234, including two outdoor licensed areas as present (Roof Terrace at the 200 level and outside Gate 7 on the 100 level). The hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. seven days a week.

This is a non-smoking building and the additional areas will provide more accessible areas for the arena’s smoking patrons.

The results of the neighbourhood notification process on this application will be provided to the Commission at its meeting. It should be noted that major complexes such as GM Place have been treated similarly to Class ‘A’ Hotel complexes in the past, with community input provided by the notification process without a referendum.

COMMENTS

The Police Department opposes this application as it has been noted that at recent events, the quality of the security has dropped significantly, particularly in the non-alcoholic section.

The Planning Department advises that Development Permit No. DE216520 was issued on April 18, 1994, thereby permitting the construction of a new sports arena with ancillary and commercial uses (Retail and Restaurant-Class 1), and two levels of underground parking. It should be noted than an application for a minor amendment to this Development Permit would be required, clearly indicating the proposed outdoor patio areas.

The Environmental Health Division of the Health Board advises that for noise control reasons, the patio areas should not include areas facing the International Village development where high rise residential buildings are planned.

There should be no mobile food vending units located in the patio areas unless approved specifically for that purpose by the Health Board.

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

CONCLUSION

It is anticipated that approval of this application will not have major additional impacts as a result of the increased use of the patio and plaza areas for limited periods of time in conjunction with arena events. The Police Department is concerned about the increased licensed area and the Health Department raises the issue of noise impacts on the future International Village. Should the application be endorsed, staff recommends the use of the patio and plaza areas be limited to a maximum of one hour prior to a bona fide event, during the intermission and a maximum of one hour after the conclusion of the same event.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver