The new Quality Foods location will be allowed to have occasional live music and events, if approved by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). Parksville city council voted to provide its support during the Nov. 16 meeting.
The city posted signs and ran several newspaper ads asking for comments from people living in the immediate vicinity of the proposed restaurant, which will be located on the second floor. Five submissions were opposed and two were in favour.
Joan Starck, who lives nearby, wrote she was concerned about loud music, squealing tires and people driving under the influence.
“If Quality Foods is serious about following the intention of its liquor licence, then we request that there’s no bar and that patrons select their beverages from a menu provided along with their meals,” wrote Jaynie Starr and Karen Easton, who live near the site.
Residents may occasionally hear events at the establishment, but the type of venue and events being indoors will mitigate nuisance issues, according to a report by city staff.
Coun. Mark Chandler said he was not concerned about the proposed restaurant, based on his experience with the Nanaimo location.
“There’s very little entertainment that I’ve ever seen there. I think the ultimate goal is they do things like wing nights and pizza nights,” he said.
The 64 seat ‘Upstairs’ restaurant will be located at the Quality Foods under construction on the Alberni Highway, bordering Despard Avenue and Moilliet Avenue.
Council voted 6 – 1 in favour of endorsing the application, with only Coun. Teresa Patterson opposed.
