Provincial restrictions and the need for a policy review led Kelowna council to not support a liquor licence change for Craft Beer Market on Bernard Avenue.

At a public hearing on Sep. 12, the business sought support from the city to change from a food primary to a liquor primary licence.

Craft CEO PJ L91裸聊视频橦eureux told council it would allow more flexibility in hosting events where patrons are allowed to interact and mingle.

That is not allowed under a food primary licence in B.C.

91裸聊视频淚f you were to be in Cactus Club or Earl91裸聊视频檚 you can not stand next to a table (with a drink) it91裸聊视频檚 against the law. It seems kind of ridiculous but it is the law.91裸聊视频�

L91裸聊视频橦eureux added he operates nine locations across the country, and only experiences these issues in B.C.

He said Craft is able to apply for special permits throughout the year, but is limited to only six occasions.

Staff told council it is planning to conduct a review of the city91裸聊视频檚 liquor licence bylaws, but that it likely won91裸聊视频檛 begin until the second half of 2024.

Liquid Zoo (Lawrence Ave.) Manager David Habib, who spoke to the application, mentioned his liquor licence submission to the city earlier this year.

91裸聊视频淚 thought it was absolutely positive for me, and the community because the application brought forward the thought and the need for the city to take a look at a new liquor policy.91裸聊视频�

READ MORE: Kelowna city staff oppose higher capacity, extended hours at Liquid Zoo

Daniel Mulgrew, who owns Social 242 (Lawrence Ave.) and Tonics (Ellis St.), told council he has applied for a liquor primary licence several times over the past decade.

91裸聊视频淭he city and the city planner has always said no,91裸聊视频� said Mulgrew. 91裸聊视频淚f they (Craft) were granted a liquor primary I would expect the same outcome.91裸聊视频�

Staff recommended council not support the application for several reasons including discouraging liquor establishments with a capacity greater than 500 people.

L91裸聊视频橦eureux said he was willing to reduce Craft91裸聊视频檚 capacity to 500 from 505.

Council was unanimous in not supporting the application.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 really unfortunate that it91裸聊视频檚 inconsistent in B.C. with the rest of Canada, but we have a council policy that staff are recommending we follow,91裸聊视频� said Coun. Gord Lovegrove.

Mayor Tom Dyas added he was looking forward to the liquor licence bylaw review by staff.

91裸聊视频淪o that it ends up being that there is an equal playing field for all of the establishments in the downtown core.91裸聊视频�

The province has the final say in approving liquor or cannabis licence applications.

READ MORE: Cops, coffee and conversation comes back to Kelowna

gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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