A new pub and night club is being planned for the former Beaufort Hotel property in Port Alberni.
Bar owner Jamie Donovan has applied to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for a liquor licence in order to operate a pub and night club called "The Next Level" in the former Beaufort Hotel building at 4963 Angus Street. The Next Level occupies the ground-floor unit of the building, and Donovan says he plans to offer live music events, music and darts and pool facilities.
“It's a place where local musicians can play," Donovan told Port Alberni city council during a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. "It has a dance floor that’s big enough for people to dance. The whole building was built to contain something like this, so the soundproofing is really good.”
The topic was brought to council on Tuesday because local governments are provided an opportunity to comment on applications for a liquor licence, although the final decision is up to the LCRB.
The city's manager of planning, Brian McLoughlin, told council on Tuesday that the building is already zoned for this use and he doesn't anticipate any "impacts" on the surrounding neighbourhood.
"But we are mindful of the tenants living upstairs," he added. The upper floors of the building have approximately 27 tenants.
The Beaufort Hotel and Conference Centre used to take up half a city block between Third and Fourth Avenues in Port Alberni’s Uptown. It was once considered a neighbourhood "hub" with a busy beer parlour, café and hotel. The Third Avenue portion of the building was torn down many years ago, and the remaining suites are now used as low-income housing.
Councillor Charles Mealey said the building's old pool hall was once a popular spot, and pointed out that a night club will bring security into the area.
"I'd like to take a chance on this," he said.
Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions agreed that she likes the idea of bringing more people into the area.
“When you have quiet streets with no one in sight…it creates opportunity for crime,” she said.
As of Tuesday, Nov. 12, the city had received no responses to their public notice about the liquor licence, which was advertised online and in the Alberni Valley News. However, McLoughlin said that notices had not been mailed to residents in the area, which might account for the lack of feedback received.
Council decided to postpone their decision about the liquor licence to their Dec. 9 meeting, which will give city staff time to mail out notices to nearby residents.
Council also voted to enter into a Good Neighbour Agreement with Donovan, which is meant to mitigate any potential nuisance and disturbances from the establishment. If the agreement is not followed, the bar's liquor licence could be suspended.
