Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chonicle
From opting out to opting back in, Town council is getting more involved in the Venables Theatre liquor license application.
Last summer council voted not to comment on the application but changed its mind at a recent meeting.
In a letter to council, Oliver Community Theatre Society president Tom Szalay requested the Town opt back into the process by undertaking public consultation, subject to a processing fee paid for by the society.
The consultation would gather input from nearby residents on how they feel a liquor license would impact the community.
Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Cowan said if concerns are raised the Town would go through the public hearing process.
Councillor Dave Mattes said he was a little concerned when he first saw the application because it’s not a Town property and it is in a school zone, therefore the public should be aware of what’s going on. He added there would be additional expenses to the Town such as advertising and staff time.
But Cowan said an additional $500 from the society would cover these expenses.
• Read more: Theatre society seeks primary liquor license
Mayor Martin Johansen said the consultation process wouldn’t be onerous on the Town, so “you would think it would go through fairly smoothly.”
Councillor Petra Veintimilla said she doesn’t have an issue with the application at all.
“From our original conversation it seemed like we were in agreement that having a liquor license there seems like a bit of no brainer.”
Veintimilla asked if it was a lot easier for the Town to undertake the consultation process than it would be for the society.
Cowan said the only difference is the Town would not be required to erect signage on the property because the newspaper advertising would cover that.
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger moved that the Town opt back into the process, a motion that was carried unanimously.
Councillor Aimee Grice did not vote because she previously declared a conflict of interest since she works at the theatre.
