Owners of the Sandpiper Pub on White Rock’s waterfront – one of them a city councillor – are looking to nearly double the establishment’s licensed capacity.
According to a city staff report, an application to bump the number of patrons allowed at the 15595 Marine Dr. pub from 65 to 115 has been made to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
Coun. Bill Lawrence, who won a seat in last fall’s byelection, is co-owner of the pub. He told Peace Arch News in January – following a temporary suspension of the pub’s liquor licence that resulted from being found over-capacity – that an application to change the limit had been made.
Following comment from White Rock fire and police officials, city staff are recommending the increase be cut off at 110 (plus seven employees).
“An inspection conducted by the fire and building departments on June 4, 2013 determined that the licensed capacity for the establishment should not exceed one hundred and ten (110), with no more than ninety (90) patrons inside the pub and no more than twenty (20) on the patio,” writes Paul Stanton, the city’s director of development services.
Stanton notes they will not extend the pub’s hours of operation, but could result in more noise at closing time; and, that significant impact on the community is not anticipated.
Council voted last week to authorize staff to schedule a public hearing and forward the results to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.