Public hearing set for Game On liquor licence

Sparwood council has directed staff to schedule a public hearing for a liquor licence application at Game On Indoor Playground Bowling & Rec Room.

The decision was made during council’s April 21 regular meeting after Manager of Corporate Services Megan Rawles presented a report on the application.

Rawles said the application was submitted to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, with the district receiving formal notice as part of the provincial review process.

“Under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, local governments have 90 days to respond to a liquor license application, and council may choose to gather public input in several ways, including written submissions, a public hearing, or other methods council considers appropriate,” said Rawles.

She said council may comment on issues such as noise, community impacts, public opinion and whether council supports or opposes the application. Council also has the option of not commenting by notifying the province in writing.

The application is for Game On Indoor Playground Bowling & Rec Room, located at 101 1290 Ponderosa Drive.

Rawles said the applicant described Game On as a family oriented recreation facility with bowling, children’s indoor play areas, arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, pool tables and party rooms.

The applicant advised that although the application is for a liquor primary licence, liquor service would be secondary to the overall operation.

“The stated intent is to provide a controlled recreation environment focused on family and physical activity, with liquor service being secondary to those uses,” said Rawles.

Proposed liquor service hours would range from late morning or noon through the evening, with earlier closing on Sundays.

The staff recommendation was for council to notify the province of the district’s intent to provide comments and schedule a public hearing so residents can provide input.

Rawles said choosing that option does not mean council supports or opposes the application.

“It simply allows for public input to be gathered so that council can make an informed recommendation to the province at a later date,” said Rawles.

Council passed a motion directing staff to schedule a public hearing for the purpose of considering the Game On application to sell liquor from the establishment during regular business hours.

Mayor David Wilks said a liquor licence at the location made sense to him.

“Seems logical to have one there,” said Wilks.

Wilks said liquor licences cannot be transferred when a business is sold, requiring a new application. Council carried the motion.

The public hearing will give residents a chance to comment before council forwards a position to the province.