BNA swallows old Flashbacks nightclub in downtown Kelowna

KELOWNA – The last vestiges of a downtown Kelowna icon — the old Flashbacks nightclub — is disappearing as another hotspot expands into its space.

BNA brew pub plans to install a six-lane bowling alley along with an expanded eating area on the second floor where Flashbacks nightclub operated as a music venue and dance club for several decades.

Along with that expansion, BNA Brewing and restaurant (which opened in 2015 in a former tobacco processing plant next door) is asking the City of Kelowna to support its bid to substantially increase the number of patrons allowed by its liquor license.

Planning staff support the request by Whitworth Holdings Ltd which is asking Provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to increase the capacity of newly expanded brew pub to 415 from 278, a number they point out is still significantly less than the original Flashbacks which was once allowed 490 patrons in its second floor space.

However, in a sign of just how popular BNA is on the weekends with a young crowd, Kelowna RCMP want the brew pub to maintain a minimum level of trained security staff as well as install and operate Servall Biometrics, a “patron identification system” after 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

RCMP and city staff are also recommending the installation of a high definition security camera system covering the entire inside floor space and immediate outside areas plus all entrances and exits, according to a report prepared by planner Lydia Korolchuk.

The system must retain recordings for at least a week, Korolchuk writes, part of the standard practices now required for all major late night establishments operating in the downtown core.

Despite the recommendation for substantially increased security, her report concludes granting the request will have little neighbourhood impact as measured by noise and traffic, given the building once hosted a nightclub.

Kelowna council will consider the request at its regular council meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, November 21 in council chambers at Kelowna City Hall, 1435 Water Street.

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