The closure of a popular waterfront pub has been an emotional experience for the woman who it was named for.

鈥淭he people that have bought the building don鈥檛 want the business,鈥� said co-owner Rose Sexsmith, who choked back tears, when discussing the permanent closure of Rose鈥檚 Waterfront Pub, located at 1352 Water St.

鈥淚t is what it is. We鈥檝e been incredibly blessed. It鈥檚 the time, I鈥檓 grateful for all these years.鈥�

The pub will be closing Sept. 30 and Sexsmith said its 鈥渘ew owners don鈥檛 want to run Rose鈥檚 the way it is鈥� and she has no idea what their plans are.

Despite the tears, Sexsmith is excited about the future.

鈥淚t鈥檚 bittersweet. All those things, I鈥檓 sad about my staff鈥� and I鈥檓 sad because it鈥檚 like your kid is moving to another world,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had an amazing run and met amazing people. I can鈥檛 say how wonderful it鈥檚 been.鈥�

Sexsmith has co-owned the pub with her brother George Hanna, since 1989, which she described as 鈥渁 successful partnership.鈥� Her children have also worked at the pub and her grandchildren are now old enough to sit and enjoy a drink on its deck.

General manager Andrew Neville said it came as a little bit of a shock for the staff. He also is unable to discuss details for the future plans of the building.

The popular pub operates as both a pub and nightclub and according to its website, 鈥淩ose鈥檚 is the only true waterfront pub in 琉璃神社.鈥�

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The pub has been operating employs 58 workers, including some seasonal staff, Neville said.

鈥淲e鈥檇 just like to thank all the people of 琉璃神社 for supporting us,鈥� he said.

carli.berry@kelownacapnews.com
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