HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRPS-06-073 - Liquor Licence Application - Lotus Leaf Restaurant - 151 King St. W.l
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Corporate Services
REPORT
Report To: Mayor C. Zehr and Members of Council
Date of Meeting: May 8, 2006
Submitted By: Liquor Licensing Review Committee
Prepared By: Patricia Harris, Manager of Licensing
Ward(s) Involved: 6
Date of Report: May 1, 2006
Report No.: CRPS-06-073
Subject: LOTUS LEAF RESTAURANT -LIQUOR LICENCE
APPLICATION-151 KING STREET WEST
RECOMMENDATION:
That subject to the applicant entering into an agreement with the City including certain
conditions of operating a licensed establishment as set out below, that Council withdraw its
resolution of May 9, 2005 opposing issuance of a liquor licence for the establishment to be
located at 151 King Street West and take no action to oppose the application for a liquor
license for "Lotus Leaf Restaurant" (also known as Midnight Bar, also known as Lucky Man
Restaurant), located at 151 King Street West applied for by Van Thi Truong; and further,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with the applicant wherein the
applicant agrees to abide by the following conditions and to request they be added to its licence
if the AGCO chooses to issue the licence:
1. To post in a conspicuous place and abide by the Downtown Licensed Establishment
Code of Conduct;
2. To become a member of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association's License
and Entertainment Committee and attend its meetings;
3. To abide to a set 65% monthly ratio of alcohol sales to gross refreshment sales
(including food and other sundries) as set out in the application (in other words,
alcohol sales will be limited to 65% of gross refreshment sales);
4. To stop serving alcohol by 2:00 a.m. daily;
5. To notify the Clerk of the City of Kitchener in writing of any application to change the
license at the time the application for the change is made to the Alcohol and Gaming
Commission, and not to expand the establishment without the consent of the City's
Council;
6. To comply with the noise by-law and the smoking by-law; and
7. These conditions shall bind all successors, assigns and subsequent licence holders
(if any).
BACKGROUND:
On May 9, 2005 City Council passed a resolution recommending opposition to a liquor licence
being issued to the Midnight Bar & Club (also know as Lucky Man Restaurant). Concerns were
expressed that included the possible inability of the Applicant to abide by the proposed 65%
ratio of alcohol sales to gross refreshment sales without any kitchen facility in the premises as
well as concerns that the this particular location had been problematic in the past. Concerns
were also raised by two neighbouring business owners at that time.
REPORT:
In the past several days, new information has been presented to the LLARC. A recent
inspection by members of the LLARC revealed that the restaurant at 151 King Street West has
been transformed into a clean and attractive establishment. Anew commercial kitchen and
preparation area has been installed and the Committee was provided with a menu which
indicates that they will have a full meal menu. Their hours of operation will be 11:00 a.m. to
9:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The
applicant has a well known Chinese restaurant business leader assisting them in the start up of
the business. This individual owned and operated a restaurant in Waterloo for a number of
years.
There are several photographs attached to the report that show both the interior and exterior of
the restaurant. It should be noted that the applicants have made this an attractive and inviting
place.
A number of business owners expressed their concerns regarding this establishment. Attached
is a letter from the owners of Petsche's Shoes Limited and Budd Stores Co. Ltd. Indicating that
they no longer oppose this particular business. A letter from Mr. Marty Schreiter, Executive
Director of the KDBA is also attached noting his observations when he toured the restaurant on
May 1, 2006.
It is the Committee's opinion that the applicant has invested a great deal of time and money into
this restaurant and has a clear understanding of the type of business that she wishes to
operate. We feel that this establishment will be a welcome addition to the downtown
environment in the years to come.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
Patricia Harris
Silvia Wright, Manager
Manager of Licensing Downtown & Community Development
Marty Schreiter, Executive Director
Kitchener Downtown Business Association