Revelstoke city council has supported an amendment to the Big Eddy Pub’s liquor license that will allow the pub to extend their liquor license to an additional 68 seats on two patios.
Council supported the proposed changes at their June 28 meeting. Final approval rests with provincial liquor licensing authorities, but council approval is viewed as critical in order for an application to be successful.
Council approved the amendment, but added one restriction. To prevent noise from disturbing neighbours, council has asked that the pub’s doors “shall remain closed during performances” and that entertainment should be confined within the pub and not be on the new patios.
A staff report noted only one resident attended a public meeting on the changes. That person was in support of the change, but did advise that noise was an issue when the pub’s doors were open during performances.
The report also noted the Big Eddy Pub now has air conditioning, which makes it more comfortable to keep the doors closed during performances.
The staff report also said the new patio is consistent with policy directions for commercial development outlined in the city’s Official Community Plan, in addition to zoning bylaws. “If the application is approved, the impact is expected to be positive in that it will support economic opportunity and offer a new social venue for residents and visitors of Revelstoke,” writes development services manager Laurie Donato in her report.
The change was adopted unanimously and didn’t see any controversy when discussed at the council table. “Having spent a good part of my life in the Big Eddy, I will look forward to this,” remarked mayor David Raven.
Construction of the new patios is nearing completion. Outside of the meeting, Donato explained that the approval for construction is done under separate building permits, which the pub had already attained.