The DRA Land Use Committee has reviewed the application for a Liquor Primary Licence:
The applicant operates an existing Food Primary License with patron participation endorsement under this name;
Proposed hours of service – 9am to 2am daily;
The existing total occupant load is 68, the number approved for the previous restaurant at this site. The proposed new total occupant load is 140 people, including a 17-person outdoor patio. The applicant has been running the Vicious Poodle since June 2020 as a pub style restaurant dedicated to a LGBTQ+ clientele, offering a full menu for lunch, brunch and dinner, and hosting drag shows and other entertainment. While the existing food service would be retained, there is a perceived demand for an adult-only liquor primary venue, especially later in the evening. The applicant notes that this would be the first store-front gay pub on the Island.
The DRA strongly supports a vibrant Downtown, which includes late night drinking establishments in appropriate locations. Downtown residents are concerned about impacts on their liveability this type of establishment will create and have been patiently awaiting the recommendations of the Alcohol Policy Review conducted in June of 2019. We trust Council will assess this application on the basis of the solutions the policy review was anticipated to provide to support a harmonious co-existence of residents and businesses while upholding residents’ right to quiet enjoyment of their homes. Downtown has been absorbing the majority of residential growth for the region, so Council needs to thoughtfully consider the impacts decisions such this one will have on the quality of life for this rapidly growing community."
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