Vancouver bans late entry into Granville Street nightclubs as pilot project

Jun 16 2017, 4:26 am

As Vancouver “updates and modernizes” its liquor laws, those looking to hit a late-night club on Granville Street may have to start keeping a better eye on the time.

See also

And although the City will now allow brewery and distillery lounges to stay open until midnight, the City is also piloting what it calls a “last entry” program along the popular party strip on Granville Street, which it said will help manage crowds outside of clubs and bars.

In essence, the program won’t allow any establishments to allow any new customers inside, a full one hour before closing time.

The new “last entry” rules on Granville Street will be effective from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

“Liquor policy is a complex topic that has to balance culture, community and economy, while also protecting the health and safety of our residents,” said Kaye Krishna, Vancouver’s general manager of Development, Buildings and Licensing, in a release.

In the release, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson added that it’s important “to strike a balance in a liquor strategy that grows and maintains a vibrant nightlife, while upholding public health and safety particularly in the downtown core.”

As part of the new liquor strategy, Council has directed staff to establish a working group of stakeholders and community organizations to improve consultation and coordination of efforts to reduce street disorder and gender-based violence, and to improve business in the area.

The group is set to report back to the City on the “last entry” pilot program’s effectiveness after six months.

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

+ News