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City of Powell River Council opts out of LCRB/Iguana’s process

Mexican grill going through change of licensing with provincial liquor and cannabis branch to allow entertainment options
Paul Galinski
Paul Galinski
2838_iguanas
City of Powell River director of planning services Jason Gow outlined the prospect of participating in a liquor and cannabis branch structural change application by Iguana’s Mexican Grill to allow for live entertainment inside the restaurant.Paul Galinski photo

City of Powell River Council has opted out of providing comment regarding a BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) structural change application by Iguana’s Mexican Grill.

At the June 22 council meeting, director of planning services Jason Gow outlined an application by Iguana’s to expand the special event and entertainment options it provides to patrons.

“They are looking to add a patron participation endorsement to their food primary liquor licence,” said Gow. “This would allow dancing and other guest interaction with performers. They are interested in bringing in a mariachi band at Cinco de Mayo and other times when they might offer some dancing for their patrons.

“Food service is to remain the primary focus and the licence is to remain unchanged. The patron participation activities would occur in an enclosed dining area and not on the outside patio area. All patrons would have a seat. It’s not standing room only.”

Gow said the LCRB regulates liquor service and issuance of primary licenses, which are not referred to the city. He said patron participation endorsement is referred to local governments and the city has two options. The first is to opt out of comment altogether and leave the public consultation up to the LCRB.

Gow said the city can also opt into comment, which means the city undertakes engagement with the public in addition to the LCRB consultation requirements.

Council has routinely opted out of this kind of comment on LCRB referrals, said Gow, and staff are in support of opting out in this case.

Councillor George Doubt wanted to point out that if council opts out, it doesn’t mean council won’t be drawn into a discussion about the effects of the decision.

“I would bring up the issue of the Wildwood pub and the various issues that arose in the neighbourhood from the music that was playing when they were open, and the complaints to the bylaw department,” said Doubt. “We should be aware of that situation if we decide to let the liquor control board be the decision maker. The issue still might come to council, depending on how the neighbourhood feels about the level of noise after the approval happens.”

Council voted unanimously to opt out of providing comment on the LCRB structural change application.