The DRA Land Use Committee has reviewed the application that proposes to convert a commercial retail unit, formerly a hair salon, in the heritage Fairfield Block to operate a new Liquor Primary Licence with a concept named the Tora Tiki with hours of licenced service from 12:00pm to 2:00am daily and a total occupant load of 60 people inside with no exterior seating.
The concept for a Tiki lounge appeals to some, but the significant issue under consideration is whether it is appropriate or advisable to insert a new late night liquor primary licence operation in a building with residential uses above and within a residential/office district where none has existed before.
The DRA LUC points out that the introduction of late night liquor outlets in established residential districts (or vice versa) has typically been highly problematic. This ongoing situation requires comprehensive policies be created to address and mitigate potential conflicts BEFORE they arise. Certainly with the focus of much of the regional growth strategy on densifying the downtown core with many more thousands of residents, the need for such a policy is acute.
DRA LUC members strongly support a vibrant downtown that includes late night drinking establishments but cannot support this application in its current form.