THAT the following comments be forwarded to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) regarding Liquor License Referral Application R0000418 for property located at 2850 Woodsdale Road:
1. Council has considered the following:
(a) the location of the establishment (2850 Woodsdale Road) and impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood,
(b) the current business operating hours of:
11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Sunday - Tuesday
11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Wednesday - Saturday
(c) the current hours of liquor service permitted by LCRB are:
9:00 AM to 12:00 AM Sunday – Tuesday,
9:00 AM to 1:00 AM Wednesday – Thursday,
9:00 AM to 2:00 AM Friday – Saturday
(d) the proposed hours of liquor service are:
9:00 AM to 2:00AM Monday through Sunday
2. Council’s comments on the prescribed criteria are as follows:
(a) Location: the location of the establishment is within a Tourist Commercial (C9) zone on Wood Lake, adjacent to similar tourist-oriented and highway commercial uses, and buffered from residential areas,
(b) Hours of liquor service and person capacity: aligning late-night liquor service (2:00AM) across the full week provides flexibility for special-event scheduling; these hours would match the existing liquor service hours permitted by LCRB for Friday and Saturday. The applicant has indicated that changes in hours would only be for occasional/annual special events, intended for after-hours parties. The applicant has indicated that the requested change in liquor service hours would not affect the current business operating hours except for special events. The current person capacity for liquor service does not exceed the occupancy load stipulated by the BC Building Code,
(c) Noise: no noise complaints have been received by the District regarding Turtle Bay Marine Pub; additional impacts are expected to be minimal on the neighboring properties,
(d) Impact on community: extending hours is anticipated to enhance tourism through the provision of special events (i.e. Boots ’n’ Boats), and stimulate economic activity for local businesses with minimal impacts on the neighbouring properties,
3. The District of Lake Country gathered the views of residents regarding this application:
(a) Views were gathered via the following methods:
- The views of residents were solicited by letters to the surrounding property owners and tenants within a 100-metre buffer area, signage on the subject property, and advertisement in the local newspaper for two consecutive weeks on July 3rd and July 10th, 2025. All feedback received was provided to Council,
- Community members had an opportunity to provide comments at the regular Council meeting of July 15th, 2025.
(b) Views of the residents include:
- Opposition to extended weekday service hours at Turtle Bay Marine Pub due to concerns about excessive summer noise disrupting nearby residents' peace, especially after midnight.
- Opposition to extended pub service hours due to existing noise complaints and concerns that late-night alcohol consumption near the lake increases safety risks, including potential drownings and strain on emergency services.
- additional comments to be added if further correspondence received.
4. Council recommends the issuance of the changed hours of liquor service (outside service hours) for the following reasons:
- Council believes the proposed change will have a positive impact on the community by providing flexibility of hours for Turtle Bay Marine Pub to host special events that support tourism and community engagement.
- The extended liquor service hours are not intended for daily use but rather for occasional or annual events, such as the Boots ‘n’ Boats music festival.
Carried.