It’s been a long time coming, but the Saltair Pub is finally back in business.
The establishment on Knight Road hasn’t been open since before last December’s windstorm that knocked out power in the area for several days. It was during that time, owner Dave Prakash said, the Saltair Pub was hit by vandals and thieves.
Extensive damage was done inside the building and many items were stolen, including four TVs and precious antiques. Prakash said the diligence of Ladysmith RCMP resulted in some items being recovered.
Thieves took full advantage of the security alarm being deactivated during the power outage. The building required considerable clean-up before it could become operational again.
“Insurance would not cover it because the power was out and no security,” Prakash indicated. “I had to use the cash flow from my other businesses to sink it in here.”
Prakash is happy that’s all behind him and the location reopened the doors July 31.
“I welcome the people – the local people, the tourists,” he said. “We want to get the entertainment back weekly. We’re trying to work that out.”
Prakash also has plans to eventually utilize the former beer and wine store next door as a site for catering or special events. But that’s getting ahead of things, and the main focus at the moment is to bring back the customers. A large chunk of the busier summer season has been lost, but Prakash is just trying to pick up the pieces and make sure everything gets back to normal as quickly as possible.
“Now that we are here, a lot of people are coming in. This is my favourite pub. This is a very classic place … When I come in here, I feel happy because it seems like a paradise,” said Prakash.
The Saltair Pub is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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