Another North End brew pub seeks Kelowna council support

KELOWNA – Another possible entrant into Kelowna's nascent brewing district is appearing tonight before city councillors.

They must decide if Omen Brewery will get their support in its bid to obtain a manufacturer lounge licence and open a 50-seat brew pub on the corner of Richter Street and Baillie Avenue.

Richter Street north of Clement Avenue has emerged as Kelowna’s brewery district with Tree Brewing, Kettle Valley Brewing and Red Bird Brewery all within a few hundred yards of each other.

Applicant Mathew Jewell has applied to the LCLB for final approval of the brew pub which he has proposed be open from 10 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.

In his application, Jewell promises to be a good corporate citizen.

“The brewery will be food- and beverage-centric so we will not be encouraging dance parties or racous behaviour. Rather, it will be a  place where people come for quality eats and drink while enjoying conversation in a fun and welcoming atmosphere,” he wrote.

Jewell acknowledges the potential for “story-telling and loud laughing” from patrons but promises the well-trained staff and its proximity to the Kelowna RCMP detachment two blocks away will keep patrons in line.

For their part, Kelowna RCMP do not support his request for a midnight closing, noting in the application comments they would prefer to see Omen close by 10 p.m. each night.

However, staff are recommending council ignore their recommedation and allow the midnight closing.

“Staff feel that a lounge establishment open to midnight will not significantly add resourcing issues to the RCMP due to the location’s proximity to the downtown and the new police service building,” urban planner Paul McVey wrote in a report to council.

The public is allowed to comment on the application which will be presented to council tonight at 6 p.m. in Kelowna City Hall.

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