Bar hours debate

By Kate Bouey - CASTANET Feb 22, 2016 / 8:21 pm

Vernon city council is backing an application for longer opening hours for the Kal Sports Bar on 30 Avenue despite some concerns. The owners of the bar have applied to B.C.'s Liquor Control and Licencing Branch (LCLB) for an extension that would allow them to stay open until 2 a.m. every night of the week. Currently they close at midnight Monday to Wednesday and 1 a.m. Thursday to Saturday. They would also like to open earlier, at 9 a.m. each day. “I don't have a real comfort level with this,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “With senior assisted living going up there, I have concerns.” Cunningham was referring to a $36.5 million senior's block going up at 3006 29 Ave. A series of buildings are to be built at the site, including residential care beds and assisted living apartments. A staff member pointed out that the sports bar has been in the downtown for many years and that the senior's facility will be responsible for its own security. But Cunningham said she thought the RCMP had also expressed concern with longer bar opening hours. “It puts more pressure on our resources.” Despite a request for feedback, only six emails were sent to the city from nearby property or business owners. Four were in favour of the change while two, from the same person representing two businesses, spoke out against the change in hours. “It doesn't sound like a groundswell of opposition,” said Coun. Scott Anderson. “I have no problem with this,” said Mayor Akbal Mund. “This is a sitdown pub where everyone leaves at the same time.” Councillors considered asking provincial officials to put a two-year time trial on the hours but, in the end, voted in favour of supporting the bid. Cunningham and Coun. Catherine Lord voted against it.