april 19, 2016 permits & inspections division
TRANSCRIPT
April 19, 2016 Manager Permits & Inspections Division 1 Centennial Square Victoria, BC V8W 1P6 250.361.0571 [email protected] RE: 538 Yates Street (Famous Original) to extend hours of liquor sales later than
midnight To whom it may concern: We strongly object to extending the hours of liquor sales later than midnight for 538
Yates Street (Famous Original) in downtown Victoria. Why would the city consider
allowing an establishment to sell alcohol until 4am in the morning? Who needs to buy
alcohol at that time? For those of us living in the immediate proximity, the noise already
emanating from the existing bars and restaurants is intolerable.
As residents we cannot sleep or even hear our own televisions with the loud music, noise and conversations caused by the existing area establishments. When these bars close, several of the patrons wanting to continue their party mode gather in pedestrian-only Waddington Alley with no regard or respect to property or the rights to quiet enjoyment for the numerous residents living down town. Allowing alcohol sales until 4am will make matters worse. And if you walk up or down Waddington and all you smell is the odor of human urine. The City of Victoria has provided enticements to developers to preserve and renovate historical buildings. This concept is part of the city’s master plan to revitalize the down town area and offer the public the opportunity to purchase condos, apartments and lofts. The city has even waived parking needs for these renovated buildings in order to nurture the healthy eco lifestyle of ‘live and work’ in an area where a vehicle is not required. In turn we are encouraged to use the city’s efficient public transportation system or commute under our own power in a bicycle-friendly city. Please do not allow the extension of alcohol sales past midnight for 538 Yates Street (Famous original) location. Thank you for your consideration Loft Owners in the Leiser Building 524 Yates Street, Victoria, British Columbia
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Ryan Morhart
From: Tom Eberhardt <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2016 10:16 AM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Cc: Kathleen Murphy; 'Robb Cryder'
Subject: Re: proposed liquor licence change to 538 Yates St.
Dear council,
My name is Tom Eberhardt, manager of the International Hostel at 516 Yates St.
I have included Kathleen Murphy, Victoria Bylaw officer, to this e mail, as she is familiar with many of the issues and
complaint reports we have had over the years concerning noise, property damage, and violence in our area that, in my
opinion, is directly alcohol related. Robb Cryder is our Operations Manager.
We are against the proposed extension of hours of liquor sales past midnight for 538 Yates St.
There is so much disruptive, drunken behavior on lower Yates St already that impacts our business (accommodations for
world travellers) that is already not being addressed to our benefit. Adding another establishment to this list we feel
would hamper our operations even further.
We get many, many, complaints and cancellations from guests due to the fact that they are unable to sleep at our
facility due to outside noise after midnight. The worst times are from 11pm to 3am and almost all of the complaints
centre on very loud yelling, screaming, shouting, fighting, and urinating against our building from inebriated patrons of
clubs, bars, restaurants in the immediate area.
We understand the fact that this is downtown and noise is a by-product of being downtown, but the noise that is
generated by drunk, unsupervised people in the area is beyond what should be expected to be tolerated by people
living and staying in the area. It also makes the area unsafe to our guests and staff due to the violent altercations that
erupt, which are again, fuelled by too much alcohol consumption.
Victoria has allowed and encouraged residences to be built and bought in this area and our business has been here over
30 years, generating huge incomes for the city of Victoria over those years. Our guests spend approx. $50 - $100/day
around Victoria and we generate well over 20,000 overnights per year.
By allowing more late night consumption of alcohol in the area, we feel, will only hurt our business even more. As well,
if this establishment is allowed to serve until 4am then I’m sure all the other alcohol related businesses in the area will
also apply for this extension. This may push us to the point of not surviving as a business.
Just as a note I will add that we never had many noise complaints before Lucky Bar and other alcohol related businesses
in the area were established. I’m sure if you research the police files you will notice that this area gets many calls
regarding noise complaints and violence.
Thank you
Best Regards
Tom Eberhardt
HI Victoria – Manager
516 Yates St, Victoria B.C.
V8W 1K8
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Ryan Morhart
From: Tom Desaulniers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 12:40 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Tom Desaulniers - Famous Originals liquor license
Hi,
I am in support of extending the liquor servings hours at Famous Originals Pizza on Yates. This is a fantastic
establishment that I visit often and I would like to see them have extended hours.
Thanks,
Tom Desaulniers
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Ryan Morhart
From: Tanya Switucka <t
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 7:05 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Tanya Switucka and Phil Rankine Re: 538 Yates Street licensing
Hello
We are owners of a condo in the Morley Soda Factory and strongly object to changing the licensing for the named
address. We believe that in consideration of the large number of residential units in the area, that the pub hours
currently provided are very sufficient. There are already several clubs in the area if patrons require further
entertainment/libation.
Tanya Switucka and Phil Rankine
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Ryan Morhart
From: Regan McGrath <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 5:33 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Regan McGrath - Supporting hours extension for Famous Original
To Whom it May Concern,
I am the owner of Metrics Chartered Professional Accounting at 510 Yates street, and I am writing in support of
the hours extension for Famous Original just up the road from us.
As a business person in Victoria, I support the extension as it would better their business. As a property owner
and taxpayer of the City of Victoria, I think that it benefits our city to have more, not fewer, activities in the city
late at night. Furthermore, the shareholders and management behind Famous Original are reputable and can be
trusted to handle the responsibility that comes with being open late night, mitigating any concerns I may have
had with their extension.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this letter of support.
Kind regards,
Regan McGrath, CPA CA CEO & Founder Metrics Chartered Accounting
www.getmetrics.ca
c. 250-896-8808
This e-mail may be confidential. Unauthorised use is prohibited. E-mail is inherently vulnerable and we will use alternate means upon request.
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Ryan Morhart
From: Nick Stipanovich
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2016 6:57 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Nick Stipanovich - Famous Original (538 Yates St)
Hi,
My name is Nick Stipanovich and I own Lab Salon at 541 Johnson St. I am writing to in support of extended hours at
Famous Original. I would love to see this place open longer.
Thank You,
Nick Stipanovich
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Ryan Morhart
From: Megan Gould
Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2016 6:57 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Megan Gould - Famous Originals Pizza
Hi,
My name is Megan Gould and I live at 524 Yates St (basically next door) and work downtown. I am writing to you in
support of extended hours at Famous Original. I would love to see this place open longer.
Thank You,
Megan
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Ryan Morhart
From: Matt Desjardins
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 12:24 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Matt Desjardins - Extending liquor license hours for Famous Original
Hi,
I both live close to the downtown core ) and work downtown (
) and support Famous Original's request to extend the hours of their liquor license past
midnight.
Thank you,
Matt Desjardins
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Ryan Morhart
From: Lorne Milne <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 6, 2016 9:31 AM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Lorne Milne Famous Original 538 Yates Street
Manager, Permits and Inspections
We represent the owners of 546 Yates Street and are opposed to the application to
extend hours of operations from midnight to 4 am, 7 days a week. This will only create a
magnet for intoxicated people spilling out of the bars and clubs to continue partying on the
sidewalks and street until the wee hours of the morning. Aside from the mess it will create,
the people who have chosen to reside in the area and work downtown will obviously be
disturbed if such activity is continued past midnight. Let these downtown citizens get some
rest.
Lorne Milne Chief Executive Officer GMC Projects Inc. Suite 303 One Alexander Street Vancouver B.C. V6A 1B2
(604) 717.4477 (604) 717.4478 fax (604) 644.9150 cell [email protected]
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Ryan Morhart
From: Kyle Mackenzie
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 5:17 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Kyle Mackenzie - Famous Original 538 Yates St
Hi, My name is Kyle Mackenzie and I work I am writing to in support of extended hours at Famous Original. I would love to see this place open longer. Thank You, Kyle Mackenzie,
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Ryan Morhart
From: KEITH TALBOT
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2016 11:42 AM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Keith Talbot - 538 Yates Street Victoria
Good Morning I own an apartment at 524 Yates Street and am responding to an application for a permanent change to a food primary liquor licence at 538 Yates. While I understand the need for business owners to utilize to the full, premises they own or rent I fail to see how a proposed change to a 4 am closing daily will promote the sale of food. By definition food primary deals with the sale of food first and together with alcohol if required. My thoughts are that this is an attempt to promote the sale of alcohol, not food, until 4 in the morning. As such they would then be competing with the local nightclubs & bars. I strongly object to this application also bearing in mind that I don't see any restaurants in that area who are open until 4 in the morning. The area itself is mixed commercial / residential and as such the local residents peace and quiet after midnight should be respected. Regards Keith Talbot
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Ryan Morhart
From: Josh Horricks
Sent: Monday, May 2, 2016 12:21 AM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Joshua horricks - Famous Original - 538 Yates
Hi,
My name is joshua horricks and I work at on
government. am writing to you in support of extended hours at Famous Original. I would love to see this place
open longer
A decent affordable upscale pizza place (not druggy filled Second Slice) to get food after I get cut from my
night shift at 1am would be great
Thank You,
Joshua horricks
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Ryan Morhart
From: Still Life: Jordan
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 5:15 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Jordan Stout - Famous Original
Hello,
My name is Jordan Stout and I live/work . I am writing to in support of extended hours at Famous Original. I would
love to see this place open longer. Great staff, great food, great atmosphere that a city like Victoria should be very proud to support.
If there’s anything else I can offer in support of Famous Original, please don’t hesitate to contact me,
Thanks,
Jordan Stout
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Ryan Morhart
From: Jody H
Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2016 6:21 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Jody Heavener - Famous Original 538 Yates St
Hi,
My name is Jody Heavener and I work I am writing to you in support of extended
hours at Famous Original. I would love to see this place open longer.
Thanks!
Jody
-- Jody Heavener (250) 580 6602
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Ryan Morhart
From: Jane Constable
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 6:40 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Jane Constable - Famous Original Extended hours of operation
Hi,
My name is Jane Constable and I own Lab Salon at 541 Johnson St. I am writing to in support of extended hours at Famous Original. I
would love to see this place open longer.
Thank You,
Jane Constable
Owner/Stylist
Studio Seven Salon
#7-913 Gordon Street
250.480.7777
www.studiosevensalon.ca
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Ryan Morhart
From: Jacqui Balfour
Sent: Friday, April 22, 2016 2:23 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Jacqui Balfour - 538 Yates St (Famous Original) Request to Extend Hours of Liquor
Licence
Manager,
Permits & Inspections Division,
1 Centennial Sq.
Victoria, BC V8W 1P6
I am a Resident Yates Street & there are currently a large number of establishments on the 500 block that
have Liquor Licenses that result in large numbers of intoxicated folks shouting, swearing & talking loudly well past
midnight when most residents are trying to sleep & prepare for another day of work. Another Liquor Licence in the area
is incompatible with residents need for rest at night & their well being. The 500 block residents shoulder too many
Liquor Licences in their neighborhood, we should not have to endow the noise & disruption from another one.
Sincerely,
Jacqui Balfour
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Ryan Morhart
From: Ian Hoar
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2016 6:57 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Ian Hoar - Famous original license change
I'm a downtown resident living at 532 Herald street and I'd like to voice my support of the proposed changes to
the liquor license at Famous Original.
Ian Hoar
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Ryan Morhart
From: Freya Rozzano
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2016 4:10 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Freya Rozzano - Famous Original 538 Yates St
Hello,
My name is Freya and I work Yates St. I am writing in support of extended hours at Famous Original. I would love to see Famous
open longer! A patio would also be a great addition :-)
Thank You,
--
Freya Rozzano
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Ryan Morhart
From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 4:51 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Erica Smolders - Famous Original 538 Yates St
Hi there,
My name is Erica Smolders and I work in the 500 block of Johnson St and live in the 500 block of Fisgard St. I
am writing to in support of extended hours at Famous Original. I would love to see this place open longer.
Thank You,
Erica
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Ryan Morhart
From: Elexa Styan
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 5:05 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Elexa Styan - Famous Original 538 Yates St
Hello,
My name is Elexa Styan and I work Yates St in downtown Victoria. I'm writing in support of the extended hours that have been
requested by Famous Original.
Thank you,
--
Elexa Styan
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Ryan Morhart
From: Doug Hensby
Sent: Friday, April 22, 2016 2:35 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Doug Hensby - 538 Yates St. -- Liquor license extension
Categories: Red Category
Dear Sir,
I am responding to your request for input on the request by Famous Original for an extension of their liquor
license to permit sale of alcohol until 4 AM. I am an owner of a suite in the Leisure complex about two doors
away from the applicant's operation.
We already suffer through the noise and foul behaviour of individuals who have consumed quite a bit of alcohol
from Lucky Bar and we strenuously oppose more of the same from yet another boozer on the street. Across
Yates there is also a pub beside Lucky and another at the end of Yates on Wharf.
Please no more and particularly open later than the others. This will likely get everyone trying to extend their
hours and will make the goal of Victoria to repopulate downtown a failure. It needs to balance the needs of the
residents and the business but we need some quiet time to enjoy peaceful sleep.
Thank you for the opportunity to outline my opposition to this request by Famous Originals.
Doug Hensby
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Nicole McKay
From: Dan Gunn <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 06, 2016 9:03 AM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: re: Famous Original application for extended liquor licence
To Whom it May Concern, I am writing to support the application by Famous Original to extend their liquor licence hours. There casual dining atmosphere and their location lend themselves well to extended hours. I hope you will give them your full consideration. Please let me know if I can provide any further specifics or information. Sincerely, Dan
Dan Gunn CEO VIΛT≡C
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Ryan Morhart
From: C J Photographics <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2016 5:53 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Chad Johnston - Opposition to 538 Yates Liquor Licence change request
To:
Manager
Permits & Inspections Division
1 Centennial Square
Victoria, BC V8W 1P6
Hello,
Thank you for providing residents within a 50m radius of 538 Yates to express our views on the proposed
extension of liquor sales from 12am to 4am at 538 Yates.
As an owner/resident nearby at 562 Yates (The Oriental) I am strongly opposed to this proposal for several
reasons:
1. This change will inevitably result in increased street noise during the wee morning hours when local
residents are trying to sleep. My apartment has large windows facing Yates which make it vulnerable to street
noise. This is acceptable at midnight but would be intolerable at 4am. The Oriental building is a heritage
conversion building and these S facing windows are an integral part of the streetscape and provide the only
ventilation to the south facing apartments during the warm months. As such, blocking them off or leaving them
permanently closed are not options.
2. I purchased my apartment at 562 Yates to use as a part-time vacation rental property and this proposal would
devalue my investment. The owners of 538 Yates may possibly benefit financially from the proposed change
but the owners of every rental unit at 562 Yates and the nearby buildings would suffer financially as a
result. Since rental units are marketed online, guest ratings and comments are important to the success of rental
units and a single noise complaint or comment about drunkards at 4am would have immediate negative impact
on bookings. Allowing this proposed change would favour one small business at the expense of many others.
3. There are safety concerns with a very late night drinking establishment in the area. Almost by definition the
location with the latest liquor serving hours draws the stragglers from other spots who have been drinking and
partying all night and are seeking to continue the binge until morning. I expect if the police department were
asked to weigh in on this, they would concur that this crowd in general is more prone to violence, vandalism to
local businesses and general security concerns. I am worried about this as a local resident, as an owner of a
vacation rental and as a Victoria resident.
4. This proposal runs counter to the image of Victoria as a beautiful, safe, well-kept tourist
destination. Victoria’s draw is much different from party destinations such as Cancun and Miami Beach and the
Victoria “brand” of taste and discretion should be considered before starting down the road of catering to a
party crowd in the midst of our beautiful heritage tourist-zone. I cannot see a single benefit of a 4am Liquor
License to the city of Victoria, it’s residents or the majority of tourists who choose to travel here.
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In summary, this proposal benefits a single entity (owners of 538 Yates) at the expense of local residents, local
rental investors, other local businesses, Victoria’s tourists and the beauty and image of Victoria itself.
Please do not approve this application.
Sincerely,
Chad Johnston
______________________
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Ryan Morhart
From: Benjamin Fox <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 4:08 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Benjamin Fox - Famous Original
Good Afternoon,
My name is Ben Fox. I am the co-founder of Tapstream, a local tech company with offices on Yates St. I writing to express my support for
the increase of liquor serving hours at Famous Original. We have many young tech employees who seek that type of place when choosing
which city to call home.
The tech industry in Victoria is strong and growing. The city is able to attract talented youthful professionals away from Vancouver, for
example, for several reasons: its easy access to nature, cheaper living costs, friendly atmosphere, etc. We can further appeal to those skilled
individuals who would support the local economy in addition to contributing their skills in their workplaces. This is why I support the
increase of liquor serving hours for our neighbours at Famous Original.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ben Fox
Co-founder, Tapstream
1-250-514-3133
--
Benjamin Fox, co-founder Tapstream: Marketing Analytics for Apps @benjaminfox ∙ LinkedIn ∙ Blog ∙ Facebook
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Ryan Morhart
From: Annette Leroux
Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2016 6:29 AM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Annette Leroux - Undeliverable: Famou Original 538 Yates
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Annette Leroux
To: <[email protected]>
Cc:
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2016 17:41:00 -0700
Subject: Famou Original (538 Yates)
Hi,
My name is Annette Leroux and I live in View Royal, only a few kms from downtown.
I am writing to you in support of extended hours at Famous Original. I would love to see this place open longer.
It has an easy-going atmosphere and is a great place to drop in after a show. It would be really nice if it was still
open after a very late night at the movies.
Thanks
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Ryan Morhart
From: Andrew Laing
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 4:47 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Andrew Laing - Famous originals liquor licence
To whom it may concern,
I am a condo owner at 555 Chatham street and I support the proposal by famous original to extend their hours of liquor
service. I find it to be appropriate given the high volume of restaurants/clubs in the area. Personally, I work crazy hours
and would enjoy the prospect of having a beer with my pizza if I want. Thank you for your consideration.
Andrew Laing
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Ryan Morhart
From: Andrea Coppard
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 8:07 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: LCLB Application - 538 Yates Street
Manager, Permits and Inspections Division
1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC
Dear Sir/Madam,
My family owns a heritage condominium at 524 Yates Street (Leiser Building). The unit is within 50 metres
of 538 Yates Street (Famous Original). Our unit is on the top floor with floor to ceiling windows overlooking
Old Town Victoria's streetscape.
When we purchased this property, our pre-purchase due diligence indicated that the neighbourhood was prized
by visitors and locals for its charm, history and character. The ONLY concern we found was noise levels at
night. Consequently, please advise the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch that we strongly oppose this
application to permit extension of liquor sales to from midnight to 4am at 538 Yates Street.
If allowed, this change will very likely lead to the following:
1. Discourage those who want to live downtown (contrary to the city plan)
2. Increase the level of public intoxication and noise in Old Town
3. Increase assault rates in the area*
4. Increase in the number of motor vehicle casualties*
It seems apparent that the only net benefit would be an increase in the volume of liquor sales for the business
owner. We submit that this is not in the public's interest or safety in Old Town Victoria, and request that this
application be turned down.
*See the Nova Scotia Government Study cited below and entitled CHANGES IN ACCESS TO ALCOHOL AND IMPACTS ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION & DAMAGE: An overview of recent research studies focusing on alcohol price, hours and days of sale and density of alcohol outlets http://novascotia.ca/dhw/addictions/documents/Changes-in-Access-to-Alcohol-and-Impacts-on-Alcohol-
Consumption-and-Damage.pdf
Kind Regards,
Paul and Andrea Coppard
524 Yates Street
Victoria, BC
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Ryan Morhart
From: Alex Kerr
Sent: Monday, May 2, 2016 1:55 PM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Subject: Alex Kerr - Famous Original - 538 Yates St
Hi,
My name is Alex Kerr and I work at on the corner of Douglas/Yates. I am writing to you in
support of extended hours at Famous Original. I would love to see this place open longer as it is a great place to
spend time with friends, enjoy a beer and a slice, and play skeeball.
Thank You,
Alex Kerr
--
Alex Kerr
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Ryan Morhart
From: aaron <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 4, 2016 11:50 AM
To: Liquor Licence Email
Cc: [email protected]; Ryan Morhart
Subject: Aaron Usatch - Famous original - food primary extension of hours
To whom it may concern:
Olde Towne developments is the owner of the property located at 538 Yates Street and the landlord for Famous
Original Pizza.
we are writing as there are serious concerns with any extension to the existing food primary liquor license.
The tenant did not consult with the landlord prior to the application being made and the landlord became aware
of this application through the notice that was posted on the window.
Our concerns are primarily that the business model that has been presented to us is not how the tenant wishes to
conduct their business going forward.
The tenancy already has many ongoing issues with regards to their day-to-day operations.
These issues include ongoing noise complaints by the residential tenants in the same building, multiple visits to
the tenant by the Victoria Police department, a by-law violation ticket issued to the tenant and unapproved
alterations to the premises.
Our concerns also are due to the management of the establishment and in extending the liquor hours till 4
AM the restaurant becoming a liquor primary establishment in everything but name.
In closing we feel very strongly that it is not in the best interest of the neighbourhood, surrounding businesses
and residential tenants or the landlord to have a late night clientele being served alcohol on the premises.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned if
you have any questions with regards to the above.
Sincerely,
Aaron Usatch
Olde Towne Developments Ltd.
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