Club appeals for support

Published: May 12, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

The City of Vernon may reconsider its opposition to extended hours for a night club. Council was asked Monday to support a bid from On The Roxx Show Lounge to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to change its start-time from 7 to 5 p.m. “There is no reason why a doctor or a dentist has more of a right to do business beyond that time of the day than we do,” said Greg, the lounge’s manager. Two weeks ago, council refused to endorse the application to the Liquor Control Board after it received complaints from nearby businesses about noise, traffic and potentially intoxicated patrons. The goal behind the earlier opening time is to serve people wanting dinner after work. “We want to attract people for the hockey game and the football game,” said Greg. Speaking to the concerns, Greg believes loitering is a result of social agencies in the area and not his establishment. “Our clientele have shirts, shoes and jobs. We do not have homeless people as our clientele,” he said. “We are not filled with homeless people or addicts.”

He also stated that the lounge has security in place. “We have a clean record with the RCMP and the liquor inspector. Our staff, management and owners are all law-abiding citizens.” In terms of traffic, Greg says the nearby parkade can be utilized. While a decision to reconsider the matter has not been made, some council members are leaning that way. “They want to get the after-work crowd in there and it doesn’t have anything to do with the other entertainment there,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy of exotic dancers. Mayor Wayne Lippert welcomed the presentation. “He did shed some light on the business I’m not aware of,” said Lippert.