ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: July 6, 1998

Author/Local: G. Gusdal/6461

CC File No. 2613-9

TO:	Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission
FROM:	Chief License Inspector
SUBJECT:	888 Nelson Street - 78888 Investments Ltd. Restaurant-Class 2

CONSIDERATION

A.THAT Council endorse the request by 78888 Investments Ltd., for a Restaurant-Class 2 at the Tang Dynasty Restaurant, 888 Nelson Street, having considered the support of residents and business operators of the community as determined by neighbourhood notification and subject to a time-limited development permit.

OR

B.THAT Council advise the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch it does not support the application by 78888 Investments Ltd., for a Restaurant-Class 2 at the Tang Dynasty Restaurant, 888 Nelson Street.

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 referendum if the premises are located in close proximity to residential accommodation.

PURPOSE

78888 Investments Ltd., is requesting a Council resolution endorsing its application for a Restaurant-Class 2 at the Tang Dynasty Restaurant, 888 Nelson Street.

BACKGROUND

The Tang Dynasty Restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Nelson Square office complex. The restaurant has 213 seats and currently holds a Restaurant-Class 1 liquor license. Recent renovations have created an upscale, tasteful dining lounge and the applicant wishes to offer dancing and karaoke as an added amenity. There will be no change to the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight Monday to Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight on Sunday.

The premises are located in the DD (Downtown District) zoning district and the surrounding area is a mixture of office, hotels, cabarets, churches, and existing and proposed residential towers. The Provincial Court House is directly across the street to the north and St. Paul’s Hospital is also within the survey area (Appendix A.)

There is five Class ‘A’ Pubs (999 seats), seven Class ‘A’ Lounges (836 seats), four Class ‘C’ Cabarets (691 seats) and approximately 19 licensed restaurants(1,520 seats) in the survey area. The restaurant site is equal distance from the government liquor stores located at 1155 Bute Street and 1120 Alberni Street.

COMMENTS

The Police Department has no specific concerns other than possible noise impacts.

The Planning Department advises the premises are currently approved as a Restaurant-Class 1. Any proposal to provide a Restaurant-Class 2 would require a development permit application. As part of the review, staff would include an assessment of the anticipated impact on neighbourhood sites, in particular any residential uses. Also, an application of this type would be reviewed in accordance with the provisions of the Cabaret and Restaurant Guidelines.

The Environmental Health Division of the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board has no objection, as noise would not be an issue due of the location of the restaurant.

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

CONCLUSION

This type of facility generally has little neighbourhood impact due to the early closing, and this area is mainly commercial with little residential in close proximity. Council has endorsed previous applications without a referendum, subject to the results of a neighbourhood notification and a time-limited development permit.

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

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver