THAT Council directs Staff to forward the following Recommendation to the Provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB):
In accordance with Section 71 of the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation and Council Policy 359, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. Council recommends support of an application from Ben Boschman for a liquor primary license for Lot 1 District Lot 139 ODYD Plan 660, located at 1264 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC for a Liquor Primary license with a capacity of 50 persons and hours of sales from 11:00 AM to Midnight, Sunday to Saturday for the following reasons:
2. Council’s comments on LCLB’s prescribed considerations are as follows:
a. The location of the establishment:
The proposal will see a long-time vacant space within a heritage building on Ellis Street renovated to accommodate the cooking school within a portion of the second floor space.
b. The proximity of the establishment to other social or recreational facilities and public buildings:
The surrounding social and recreational facilities would not conflict with the proposed commercial cooking school. The business will add a type of entertainment venue which will support the cultural district in which it is located. The purpose of the cultural district is to develop and to enhance the area as a centre for arts and entertainment, and a catalyst for community and cultural development. The commercial cooking school complements and enhances the entertainment and service value of the neighbourhood.
c. The person capacity and hours of liquor service of the establishment:
The cooking school has a total capacity of 56 persons (Classroom 1 -26 persons, Classroom 2 – 30 persons). Hours of operation will be between 11 am – 11 pm (Sunday -Saturday).
d. The number and market focus or clientele of liquor-primary license establishments within a reasonable distance of the proposed location:
The subject property is within the Cultural District with both Prospera Place and the Casino located to the west of the building and the Laurel Packing House is to the south. There are a number of restaurant, pubs and coffee shops within the immediate area.
The Commercial Cooking School will provide a form of entertainment missing in the downtown core. Kelowna has a growing food, winery, brewery and cidery culture. This business is intended to complement these uses by showcasing locally grown and produced products in the cooking classes.
e. The impact of noise on the community in the immediate vicinity of the establishment:
The potential impact for noise is minimal and would be compatible with surrounding land uses. The noise levels would not increase for the surrounding area as the proposed business has a relatively low occupancy and is adjacent to a number of existing entertainment venues which includes: Prospera Place, Playtime Casino, the Laurel Packinghouse, BNA Brewpub and the Train Station Pub.
f. The impact on the community if the application is approved:
The potential for negative impacts is considered minimal as the proposed business is within the Cultural District, which encourages arts and entertainment within the area.
AND THAT Council’s comments on the views of residents are as contained within the minutes of the meeting at which the application was considered by Council. The methods used to gather views of residents were as per Council Policy #359 “Liquor Licensing Policy and Procedures.”