New Coquitlam bars, pubs and restaurants wanting to sell booze now have consistent serving times.
Under a new policy unanimously adopted on Monday, city council set:
closing times for new bars and pubs at 1 a.m. Sundays to Thursdays, and 2 a.m. for Fridays and Saturdays;
last call for serving alcohol for restaurants at midnight Sundays to Thursdays, and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (restaurants can stay open past those hours, however).
The new guidelines also apply to existing liquor- and food-primary establishments that want to change their current liquor licences. But existing bars, pubs and restaurants that have longer hours are exempt from the new rules.
The policy also extends to patio hours, with shutdown now designated at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends.
Mayor Richard Stewart said the consistent hours put new businesses wanting a liquor licence on an even playing field. As well, he said, it gives assurances to surrounding residents who are bothered by noise from such establishments.
Earlier this year, Coquitlam council put the brakes on reviews of any new liquor licence applications in order to set a new framework. As a result, bids from the Cactus Club and Douglas College for new liquor licences were put on hold, as were applications to change closing times by Townhall, Woody's and Rhino's pubs.
This summer, as part of its consultation, the city asked for comment from all 137 current licensed businesses in Coquitlam but only a handful offered feedback.
In B.C., liquor licensing bids are made through the provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB), then forwarded to the host city for review.
Coquitlam city council has recently had an influx of applications and at least one was turned down because of the lack of a city policy.
Coquitlam's new policy comes at the same time the provincial government is reviewing its liquor laws. Among the proposals the government is considering are permitting the sale of booze in retail stores and at farmers' markets, and allowing parents to accompany their kids into a Legion or pub.
A report will be filed to B.C. Justice Minister Suzanne Anton next Monday.
