Editor:
Re: ‘Late info’ delays decision on councillor’s pub, June 27; Pub application a divisive issue, July 4 letters.
After hearing some of the comments from individuals who expressed their concern over the application for the Sandpiper Pub to increase their licensed capacity, I feel it best to provide the definitive reasoning for the request.
In addition, as owner of the Sandpiper Pub and Liquor Store I will provide clarity to a situation where it doesn’t seem to exist.
The construction of the Sandpiper began back in 1980 and opened to the public in 1981.
At that time, the licensed capacity of a neighbourhood pub was set at 65 people by the Liquor Board of the day. It didn’t matter if the building maximum occupancy load was 150 people, you were set at 65 seats – for the most part –period.
Based on the square footage of the Sandpiper – not including the staff areas and washrooms – the pub can hold 100 people.
This is the allowable capacity that provides the necessary level of safety for people to be able to exit quickly in case of an emergency.
The Sandpiper is applying to get the licensed capacity equal to the allowable building capacity.
That’s it.
We’re not expanding our physical space to be able to accommodate additional people – as some incorrectly assume – we already have the space.
Having those extra people inside the pub would reduce the number of usually noisy people waiting in line, thus making it quieter for our residential neighbours.
I hope this provides a clearer picture of what the application entails.
Hopefully those who originally disapproved of the application will see that it actually makes sense.
Judy Baker, Sandpiper Pub
