ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: July 6, 1998

Author/Local: G. Gusdal/6461

CC File No. 2613-10

TO:	Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission
FROM:	Chief License Inspector
SUBJECT:	996 Homer Street - 510446 B.C. Ltd. Restaurant-Class 2

CONSIDERATION

A.THAT Council direct that the consideration of the request by 510446 B.C. Ltd., for a Restaurant-Class 2 at 996 Homer Street be subject to the results of a referendum conducted in accordance with existing City guidelines and a time-limited development permit.

OR

B.THAT Council endorse the request by 510446 B.C. Ltd., for a Restaurant-Class 2 at 996 Homer 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

C.THAT Council advise the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch it does not support the application by 510446 B.C. Ltd., for a Restaurant-Class 2 at 996 Homer Street.

GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services submits the choice of A, B or C 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

510446 B.C. Ltd., is requesting a Council resolution endorsing its application for a Restaurant-Class 2 at 996 Homer Street.

BACKGROUND

The premises at the corner of Homer and Nelson Streets are currently vacant, but approximately three previous restaurants have operated at this location. The applicant proposes to extensively renovate the facility and create an upscale 200-seat restaurant. Although food service will be the primary focus, and will include a child’s menu, the proposal includes amplified adult-orientated music for dancing provided by a disc-jockey as an added amenity. The terms of the lease prohibit live music between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. The requested hours of operation are between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight. Music and dancing must end at 12:00 midnight, in accordance with Liquor Control and Licensing Branch policy. There will be no patio and valet parking will be available.

The subject premises are located in the DD (Downtown) zoning district. The surrounding area is a mixture of commercial, residential towers, and social housing, including Brookland Court and the Continental Senior’s Centre. (Appendix A).

There is one Class ‘A’ Lounge (40 seats), one Class ‘A’ Pub (241 seats), one Class ‘D’ Neighbourhood Pub (65 seats), four Class ‘C’ Cabarets (975 seats) and approximately 11 licensed restaurants (1,245 seats) in the survey area. There is no Provincial Government liquor store in this neighbourhood.

COMMENTS

The Police Department has concerns related to late-night noise and the potential impact on the nearby residential area.

The Planning Department advises the premises are currently approved as a Restaurant-Class 1. Any proposal to provide a Restaurant-Class 2 requires 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 does not approve of live or disc-jockey music unless the applicant can demonstrate that the music will not be heard outside the premises. In this case, an acoustic impact assessment would be required.

The Social Planning Department has no concerns as long as noise is contained and does not impact on the residents of Wellspring, a 127-unit family housing facility located around the corner.

The Housing Centre has no comment.

CONCLUSION

This type of facility generally has little neighbourhood impact, due to the fact that Liquor Control and Licensing Branch regulations require that the entertainment cease at 12:00 midnight. In this case, there is a significant amount of residential in close proximity and the area residents may be concerned about possible noise.

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