Breweries open until midnight, last hour entry program part of proposed Vancouver liquor changes

Under proposed changes to Vancouver's liquor policy, breweries could soon be open until midnight for patrons, while clubs on Granville Street may be required to limit entry as closing hour looms.

Staff have made 32 recommendations to council on how and where people can buy and drink alcohol in the city.

Other proposed changes could see improved city support for provincial legislation allowing alcohol to be sold in grocery stores, other businesses and at cultural venues, like galleries and museums.

Nine of the 32 recommendations seek to help promote the responsible consumption of alcohol.

One recommendation suggests piloting a 'last entry hour' program in the Granville Entertainment District (GED), which would require bars in that area to restrict entry within one hour of closing time.

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"While evidence is limited on the effectiveness of this approach at reducing street violence, it has been shown to reduce the number of violent incidents inside bars and clubs," reads the report from city staff about the pilot, which could run from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

"At a minimum, it is anticipated that this program will eliminate late night queues on GED sidewalks, will reduce the number of people on the street moving between GED venues late at night, and will reduce the number of people going to the GED from other areas late at night."

The policy review is also recommending the city continue its moratorium on new bars and liquor stores on Granville Street and in the downtown eastside.

"Liquor policies about the location and number of liquor outlets can play a role in reducing (or increasing) problematic drinking," read the report.

Impact on businesses

Charles Gauthier of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association said there are about 200 businesses around Granville Street that could be impacted by the changes.

"It's been a long time coming to get to this point, because we've said there's a need to overhaul the liquor policy and the one specific to the Granville Entertainment District," he said.

"We're talking to our members and by the time we get to council on [June 14], we'll have some very specific suggestions on what needs to be done."

Gauthier wouldn't say what the concerns are, but said if the city is willing to make a few changes to its recommendations around the entertainment district, he believes business owners will be happy with the end result.

Staff will present their recommendations to council on Wednesday June 14, 2017.

With files from Deborah Goble.