Craft brewery looks to Kelowna council for liquor license endorsement

KELOWNA – A craft brewery downtown and an amusement arcade in Rutland are seeking the city’s endorsement for their application to the liquor control board.

Rising Tide Consultants is seeking a brewery lounge and special event area endorsement for the proposed Starkhund Brewery, set to begin construction at the corner of Ethel and Clement.

It would allow Starkhund a maximum occupancy of 160 (including staff) but requires food and non-alcoholic drinks be made available at a reasonable price.

Starkhund would be allowed liquor service from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week, according planner Paul McVey in his report to council.

The special event endorsement would allow events such as concerts and weddings to be held in the brewery.

Staff are recommending council provide the endorsement, describing Starkhund’s semi-industrial location as unlikely to disturb local residents and another tourist draw for the downtown area.

In Rutland, Klar Enterprises is seeking a liquor primary license for HQ49, which planner Trisa Brandt describes as “a place for low-cost family entertainment."

HQ49 wants to serve liquor in its lounge area from 8:30 p.m to midnight, seven days a week.

Seating capacity for the lounge will stay at 40 until the applicant corrects deficiencies to water service which prevents it from providing disabled washrooms as required by the B.C. Building Code.

Staff are also recommending council provide the endorsement and will bring both recommendations to a public hearing Tuesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. in Kelowna council chambers.

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