Vancouver barbers, spas and retail stores to sell booze under new liquor rules

[Sheba]

More pubs and clubs to be permitted in Granville Street entertainment district

Vancouver spas, barbers and retail stores will be able to apply for a liquor licence under sweeping changes introduced by Mayor Ken Sim on Wednesday.

According to Sim, the key changes to the city’s liquor policies include allowing more pubs and clubs in the Granville Entertainment District, increasing capacity for some pubs and clubs, and creating opportunities for “non-traditional liquor-serving establishments, such as spas, barber shops and retail stores, to allow them to obtain a liquor-primary licence.”

The city does not have a specific business licence for a spa. However, under a recent simplified licensing system, a barber/beauty salon is included under the beauty services licence umbrella.

Sim said he would lift a moratorium on new liquor establishments and seat expansions in Chinatown, Gastown, Industrial District, and the Thornton Park and Victory Square areas.

Dual-licence restaurants would also be permitted to transition into a bar starting at 9 p.m., instead of 10 p.m.

“The changes bring Vancouver’s liquor policies in line with other municipalities in the region and will give businesses the flexibility to innovate and bring forward fresh ideas,” Sim said.

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