By Times-Chronicle Staff
The Town of Oliver is opting out of a Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch review of a new outdoor patio application from Red Horses Vineyard.
Director of Development Services Randy Houle said the application relates to a structural change at 365 Zinfandel Ave. where the owner wants to make an outdoor patio tasting area permanent. The patio previously operated as a temporary extended service area (TESA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Houle said the applicant does not hold a liquor primary licence with a lounge endorsement, so the patio cannot operate as an outdoor lounge with food and drinks.
Houle said the applicant has received a letter of support from the owners of a single-family home under construction nearby.
In his report, Houle indicated the patio has been in operation for more than a year with no bylaw complaints against it.
Members of council previously expressed concern about the potential for the operation to grow beyond its intended scope. But Houle said that approval of the TESA on a permanent basis does not allow for the 27-person occupancy limit to be increased.
In any case, council decided not to officially comment on the application. By opting out, Houle said council is essentially saying yes to the proposal.
He noted the LCRB will conduct its own form of public notification regarding the plan.
