The Liquid Zoo on Lawrence Ave. in Kelowna is looking to expand its horizons, though city staff are opposed to the changes.

City council will consider in Tuesday91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s regular meeting altering the closing hours of the nightclub from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m., as well as an extended capacity from 500 to 655 people.

A staff report says that city policy is that no establishment in Kelowna is allowed a capacity over 500 and that large venues should be a minimum of 250 metres away from other large venues. Liquid Zoo is 150m from Gotham Nightclub, 70m from Cheetahs and 200m from Bernie91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s.

Another entertainment venue on Ellis Street, however, whose website says they plan to open this summer, was approved for a capacity of 685 last year.

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A country bar also recently just opened on the upper floor of Liquid Zoo, creating a larger dance floor.

In terms of closing time, venues have been given permits to stay open for special events in the past.

In a letter to council, Liquid Zoo says that staggered closing hours allow cab companies to respond more efficiently to demand, and lessen the amount of people leaving Kelowna91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s many venues at the same time.

The letter adds that extended hours would allow security staff to provide more supervision, lessening the burden on the RCMP.

City staff disagrees, with their own letter stating that extended hours would increase the need for policing.

A public hearing on the issue will be held on June 13 at 4 p.m. before the regular meeting.

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Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
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