ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: March 4, 1999
Author/Local: G. Gusdal (6461)
RTS No. 544

Meeting Date: March 25, 1999

CC File No. 2617-3

TO:	Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission
FROM:	Chief License Inspector
SUBJECT:	1601 W. Georgia Street - Walt Stipic Class `F' Marine Pub

CONSIDERATION

A. THAT Council direct consideration of the request by Walt Stipic for a 65-seat plus 20-seat patio Class `F' Marine Pub with off-premise sales endorsement at 1601 West Georgia Street be subject to the results of a referendum conducted in accordance with existing City guidelines and subject to:

i) The hours of operation being restricted to 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, seven days a week.
ii) The patio closing at 11:00 p.m.
iii) A Time-Limited Development Permit
iv) A signed Good Neighbour Agreement prior to Business License issuance.

OR

B. THAT Council advise the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch it endorses the application by Walt Stipic for a 65-seat plus 20-seat patio Class `F' Marine Pub with off-premise sales endorsement at 1601 West Georgia Street having considered that the majority of the area residents are in favour of granting the license, as determined through the neighbourhood notification process, recognizing that there are few residents at this time. The application was considered with regard to the proximity of existing andproposed residential developments, traffic patterns, road access and the availability of parking, possible noise impacts and the overall design and appearance of the building. It was noted that there are no public buildings or social facilities within close proximity and that this proposal is in compliance with the plan for the Coal Harbour area, subject to:

i) The hours of operation being restricted to 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, seven days a week.
ii) The patio closing at 11:00 p.m.
iii) A Time-Limited Development Permit
iv) A signed Good Neighbour Agreement prior to Business License issuance.

OR

C. THAT Council advise the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch it does not endorse the application by Walt Stipic for a 65-seat plus 20-seat patio Class `F' Marine Pub with off-premise sales endorsement at 1601 West Georgia 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

Walt Stipic is requesting a Council resolution endorsing a Class `F' Marine Pub at 1601 West Georgia Street.

BACKGROUND

The applicant has acquired freehold property below the Westin Bayshore Hotel tower and proposes to construct on pylons over the water lot a Class `F' Marine Pub with 65-seats and 20-seat patio and adjoining 150-seat restaurant.

The proposed marine pub will be located in a CD-1 zoning area where the surrounding property is undergoing rapid development. The Westin Bayshore Hotel complex is to be redeveloped and residential towers are presently under construction.

The marine pub will cater to boat owners, residents of the neighbourhood and tourists in an area designed to encourage high pedestrian traffic. The applicant has also entered into a lease agreement with the owners of the property to ensure parking facilities.

Council endorsed a similar request in October 1997 for a Class `F' Marine Pub at 1583 Coal Harbour Quay without a referendum as there were very few residents within the notification area. The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch distancing requirements for Class-D neighbourhood pubs does not apply to marine pubs and therefore proximity is not an issue.

The applicant is requesting that the hours of operation be Sunday through Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight and Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Staff proposes that the hours of operation be set at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight seven days a week, to match the approved hours for the marine pub at 1583 Coal Harbour Quay. Typical pub entertainment will be provided including television monitors, background music and occasional live entertainment by a small group.

The surrounding area is a mixture of hotel, residential, both occupied and under construction, park, parking lot, marine, retail and restaurant uses (Appendix A). The closest occupied residential buildings are approximately 800 feet from the proposed site and a large residential building is under construction directly to the south.

The area has one Class `A' Lounge (315 seats) one Class `F' Marine Pub (85 seats including a patio), and approximately six licensed restaurants. The closest provincial government liquor store is in the 1700 block of Robson Street.

DISCUSSION

Although staff are concerned about the potential impact off-premise sales may have on the surrounding neighbourhood, they recognize the need for this service by boaters using the marinas. The existing marine pub at 1583 Coal Harbour Quay has not resulted in complaints from the neighbouring residents, although the pub has no off-sales provision but may applyfor off-sales endorsement in the future.

COMMENTS

The Police Department has no objections.

The Planning Department notes that this site is located within a CD-1 Comprehensive Development District. The current uses on the site include the Westin Bayshore Hotel and separate residential towers. The Department is presently reviewing a number of development proposals for this site, including a redevelopment of the existing hotel that would include additions and alterations and the provision of new conference facilities, a new parking garage and two new marina proposals.

The review of the marina proposals (DE403782 and DE403783) is nearing completion and does not include any reference to a marine pub.

"Neighbourhood Public House" is a use that may be considered in this CD-1 District. However, any such proposal would require a development permit application. The review of such a proposal would include an assessment of the expected impact on nearby development, including any outdoor seating areas that may be proposed in conjunction with a neighbourhood public house.

The Environmental Health Division of the Vancouver-Richmond Health Board has no objections.

The Social Planning Department and Housing Centre have no comments.

CONCLUSION

The Class `F' Marine Pub will be located on a water lot and is not expected to impact on nearby residents as there is considerable distance separating the two uses with a marina located in the centre.

The results of the neighbourhood notification will be reported to the Commission at the meeting and will provide information as to whether or not there are neighbourhood concerns. If there is general support from the neighbourhood, staff suggest approving this application without a referendum as the existing residential is located at the perimeter of the notification area.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver