You know what helps people get up the courage to sing in front of others?
Alcohol, sometimes lots of it.
One Burnaby karaoke joint – Solo Karaoke on Kingsway - is looking to add that service by applying for a rezoning bylaw amendment to permit it to operate as a liquor primary licence establishment.
Now that proposal is up for a public hearing on Tuesday to see if the community is OK with this idea.
“The proposed form of entertainment would continue to be karaoke,” reads a city staff report. “No outdoor patios are proposed. The proposed hours of liquor service are 11:00 AM until 2:00 AM daily, which are in line with Council adopted guidelines. A maximum capacity of 77 patrons and 3 staff, for a total of 80 persons, is proposed.
“It is noted that if minors were to be permitted in a liquor primary establishment, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) would require a Family Food Service term and condition on the licence, requiring that minors (anyone under 19 years of age) would only be permitted in the facility until 10 pm, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and meal service is available. LCRB regulations regarding private rooms in liquor primary establishments, including karaoke, which include providing designated servers, glass front doors with no obstructions, and video surveillance, would also need to be considered.”
Many businesses have struggled due to COVID-19 restrictions, but as they lift, adding alcohol service would offer a new revenue stream for something like a karaoke bar.
