A toast may soon take on a whole new meaning at the Arlington Bar and Grill.
At the Monday night meeting, Trail council green-lighted Arlington owner Jeff Boag’s request to open his establishment at 9 a.m. for breakfast service.
Early risers may have a new nook but late night revellers will have to pack it in at 12:30 a.m. instead of 1:50 a.m., as he is also proposing a new closing time.
“Whenever there is an amendment under consideration by the liquor control board, there is a process for local government to provide comment,” explained Michelle McIsaac, corporate administrator.
McIsaac said council had to consider an increased potential for noise and other negative impacts on the community; consultation with the RCMP; and comments from adjacent property owner/occupants.
One response was received by a property owner who was in support of the Arlington’s application for amendment.
However, in his letter to council, the property owner also requested meeting with Arlington management to establish reasonable sound levels, improve crowd control at its corner door, and better monitoring of its patrons.
“These are not conditions that council can impose,” countered McIsaac.
“If noise that is generated is typical of operations then it is exempt (from the city’s bylaw) and an RCMP issue,” she said.
“And the RCMP is supportive with this amendment.”
Boag was on hand to address concerns regarding the permanent change to his liquor licence and did concede that the noise issue needs to be addressed.
“I do understand the complaints because the stuff that goes on in the street such as yelling and screaming is quite frankly, as a business man, embarrassing,” he said.
“One thing to remember about my application is that I am closing earlier and losing revenue in the end.”
Council did unanimously support Boag’s request, but it is just the first step in the process and now he must submit the city’s consent along with his application to the BC Liquor License Board in Victoria.
The Liquor Control and Licensing Act regulations make it a challenge for a licensed establishment to also open for breakfast, because by law, the place has to be closed for a half hour before liquor can be served at 11 a.m.
“I think if any of you came into a business and were told you had 15 minutes to get breakfast and leave, you would be offended,” said Boag.
“Until the liquor licenses change I will have to stick with a 9 a.m.opening.
“They (liquor board) keep talking about revising the laws so maybe next year I’ll be back to go for 8 a.m.”