An increase in liquor primary establishments and manufacturing operations is the main driver behind an update to the city鈥檚 liquor policies.   

A staff report going to council says 琉璃神社鈥檚 liquor scene has evolved from a handful of nightclubs to a tourist and economic driver. The last review of liquor policies was done in 2010.

鈥淲ith the evolution of these types of establishments coming to the City, an updated policy was needed to guide how these applications are processed, and the regulations liquor establishments must adhere to.鈥�

The report says the current policy doesn鈥檛 adequately address the broader range of establishments, noting that of the 36 liquor license applications considered by council in the last four years only 54 per cent were consistent with the existing policy. 

Among the recommended changes to liquor policies are hours of operation and establishment capacity. The current policy does not have a section dedicated to hours of service, however, staff recommend limiting closing times to 2 a.m., outdoor patios at 11 p.m. and establishments outside of a defined Central Area (see image below) to close at 12 a.m. In 2003, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch allowed establishments to remain open until 4 a.m.

The policy also restricts establishments to no more than 500 people. A proposed change is that larger establishments may be permitted if hours of operations do not extend beyond 12 a.m. Staff also recommend limiting capacities outside of the Central Area to no more than 250 people.

Council has dealt with a handful of controversial liquor license applications over the past few years including Revelry Food + Music Hub, Liquid Zoo and the Innovation Centre.

Council will consider the proposed changes at its Oct. 21 meeting.