Verbal opposition to an application for a distillery tasting room with added lounge for a liquor operation on Frazer Street distilled itself at the Prince Rupert City Council meeting on June 12, when no written objections were received attempting to block the proposal.
Since the initial application for extended hours and a 36-seat lounge establishment at Port City Spirits went before the city council on May 9, some citizens have made vocal resistance to the idea, so the council extended the period for public feedback.
Instead of objections, more than 49 written submissions in support and a few more verbal presentations were provided at the regular Monday night council meeting advocating the need for more food and beverage establishments in the city.
Due to the high response of feedback council added the topic to the meeting agenda as a late item and ultimately voted in affirmation to support the application for a lounge licence. However, it is the Provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch that has the final approval, which is yet to come.
While many of the arguments against the project voiced by the public at previous council meetings were surrounding a daycare centre on the street run by the Friendship House, the proposed liquor location being close to social service organizations such as the Food Bank and Salvation Army soup kitchen, and a shelter for those in need of housing as well as not enough parking, there turned out to be no foundation of concern, John Farrell, one of the four partners in the micro-brewery said at the meeting.
“To make it 100 per cent clear to council and also to the public, our intended Port City Spirits is to create premium spirits and cocktails from local ingredients. Our summer hours reflect our interest in participating in next year’s cruise season as a registered shore excursion programme and to do so responsibly and safely.”
Farrell pointed out that 50 letters from the Chamber of Commerce, hoteliers, restaurants, Kitkatla Enterprises, as well as dozens of residents, are testimony of the information provided to the public and the strong support for a lounge licence.
“In addition, we heard the comments and the concerns of residents. We reached out to the management of Friendship House, who expressed no concerns with our proposed hours, location or express business purposes,” he said, adding that neighbours on Frazer Street also did not express any concerns.
The partner said parking was not an issue as the business will be encouraging patrons to walk, bike and taxi to the distillery. As well they attended a parking strategy workshop held by the city and are currently working with city staff on a parking plan.
Addressing the concerns raised about noise from the brewery, he said the partners are equally as sensitive to that concern as the residents on Frazer and Borden Streets because there is a short-term rental above the distillery premises, which is part of their business.