ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: March 25, 1998
Author/Local: Guy Gusdal/6461
CC File No. 2612-2

TO:	Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission
FROM:	Chief Licence Inspector
SUBJECT:	Motor Vessel "Hotei" - Class `A' Lounge Liquor License

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Vancouver City Council endorse the request by Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. for a Class `A' (motor vessel) liquor license on board the M.V. Hotei, subject to Liquor Control and Licensing Branch circular number 552.

GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.

COUNCIL POLICY

There are no Council Policy or guidelines regarding new liquor license applications for motor vessels.

PURPOSE

Arrow Transportation Systems Inc., is requesting a Council resolution endorsing the application for a Class `A' (motor vessel) liquor license on board the M.V. Hotei.

BACKGROUND

Originally, this type of request was processed directly between the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch and the Vancouver Police Department, Marine Squad. However, this format changed when the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch decided to seek Council endorsement for most liquor license applications.

As a result, in 1989, the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission, and ultimately City Council, endorsed applications for Class `A' liquor licenses for motor vessels. During the review and discussion of the applications, it was determined that because liquor could only be served while the motor vessel is at sea, it likely would not impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. Therefore, applications were endorsed without a mail notification or a referendum.

The M.V. Hotei is a 100-passenger, 115-foot vessel launched in 1986. It is chartered for private business conferences, weddings, anniversary celebrations, sightseeing tours and charity fundraising events. The vessel has a full time staff that includes a professional chef, properly trained bartenders, all of whom have "Serving It Right" certification, and experienced serving staff. The entertainment is live, karaoke and taped music.

The proposed hours of liquor service are between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on Sunday. The M.V. Hotei is docked at the Bayshore Marina and unlimited parking is available at the Bayshore Hotel.

COMMENTS

The Police Department is in favour of this application as it is a well-run vessel. The Marine Squad encouraged the applicants to make this request to save obtaining Special Occasion Licenses.

The Environmental Health Division of the Vancouver Health Board has advised that the Gederal Government is now responsible for the monitoring and issue of permits for food preparation on board all motor vessels and, therefore, has no comments.

CONCLUSION

Because a Class `A' liquor license on a motor vessel is unlikely to impact on the neighbourhood, staff recommends the application be endorsed.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver