A liquor establishment’s plans to stay open longer have the blessing of a majority of Vernon council.
Council voted 5-2 Monday to advise the Liquor Control Branch that it supports the Kal Sports Bar’s application to change the hours of liquor sales to 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
Opposition came from Councillors Catherine Lord and Juliette Cunningham.
“I understand the business case but it seems like a deviation from some of their days,” said Cunningham, who is concerned noise from patrons could impact a retirement residence under construction on 29th Avenue.
However, a majority of council agreed to support the application.
“There is not a groundswell of opposition to 2 a.m.,” said Coun. Scott Anderson of 118 surveys that were sent out with six responses - four in favour and two against (from the same person).
Mayor Akbal Mund doesn’t believe later hours will cause any disruption.
“This is a sit-down pub unlike a night club where people all leave at once,” he said.
The Liquor Control Branch must still make a decision on the Kal Sports Bar application.