Should Coquitlam pubs, bars and restaurants that serve booze be able to close later? Or are their hours already too long?
That's the issue before city council as it tries to organize a framework for liquor licensing applications.
In February, council stopped all new applications until it could come up with a clear and consistent policy to handle the influx of proposals from food- and liquor-primary establishments.
As a result, applications from the Cactus Club and Douglas College for new liquor licences were put on hold, as were bids to change closing times by Townhall, Woody's and Rhino's pubs.
Currently, Coquitlam has 113 food-primary licences and 24 liquor-primary licences - all of which have different opening and closing hours (almost half of food-primary businesses open past midnight).
And this and next month, the operators of those businesses will be asked for their views on the new Coquitlam Liquor Licensing Policy to help guide council in considering new bids referred to it by the province's Liquor Control and Licensing Branch. The city is also seeking public and RCMP feedback.
Under the proposed policy:
Closing hours at liquor-primary licence establishments would be no later than 1 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
And liquor service at food-primary licence establishments would be no later than midnight Sunday to Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
But council may reduce open hours depending on the location and nearby transit service available, for example.
The policy would apply to new applicants only, meaning existing restaurants and pubs that have longer hours would be exempt.
As well, all businesses wanting a new licence or a change to their current licence would be required to sign a Good Neighbour Agreement.
At Monday's council-in-committee, Coun. Mae Reid said there has been an ongoing problem in Coquitlam where there is a blurring of lines between food- and liquor-primary businesses - the latter of which must adhere to more stringent rules.
Many eateries act like restaurants until 8 p.m., when they effectively turn into pubs, Mayor Richard Stewart added.
To comment on Coquitlam's proposed liquor-licensing framework, email [email protected].
