In the early 1990s UBC students that wanted to get their drink on late night off-campus would have to head east until they found the Side Door upstairs at 2291 West Broadway. While the retail and residential outlook in the immediate area has changed significantly over the years, there has always been a “bar” at 2291 West Broadway. Today it is called Lola’s Bar.
According to an article in the Vancouver Courier today, neighbours are worried that the Regal Beagle in the same block as Lola’s Bar will have its recent liquor licensing change request approved and there will be not one, but two late-night bars to contend with. The Courier interviewed a sleep-deprived Leila Khodarahmi who complains of being awaken at least twice a week by “drunks in the street”.
Khodarahmi is one of the residents of the area around West Eighth Avenue and Vine who doesn’t want to see the nearby Regal Beagle’s application for a liquor primary license approved. Residents say for years they’ve endured yelling, fighting, public urination, vandalism and litter they believe stems from patrons of Lola’s Bar, next door to the Regal Beagle. They don’t want the two bars to become a destination spot with increased noise at 1 and 2 a.m.
According to the article, disturbances tend to be worst on Monday nights and the public rowdiness seems to be concentrated on Vine Street as partiers use it as a thoroughfare between watering holes on West 4th and West Broadway.
In defense, Regal Beagle GM Ian MacAuley says the liquor board chastised his pub because the food primary establishment was selling too much alcohol and not enough food. And this is why they’re applying to have 40 of their 96 seats licensed liquor primary.
Should the Regal Beagle be allowed to get a liquor primary license or are they being unfairly blamed by neighboring residents? A report on the application is scheduled to go to city council on May 19th.
