VANCOUVER, B.C. — Green Councillor Pete Fry is welcoming the Standing Committee on City Finance and Services’ unanimous approval of his member’s motion to modernize rules around dual licensing in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) and Granville Entertainment District (GED), supporting safer, more vibrant nightlife while maintaining safeguards and requiring a one-year report back on impacts.

On June 15, 2022, the Standing Committee unanimously passed Councillor Fry’s motion, Dual Licenses, Cocktail Culture, and Vibrant Urban Nightscapes. The motion was amended, and the final version directs staff to lift the Liquor Primary moratoria in the DTES and GED specifically to allow eligible Food Primary businesses to apply for Class 1 and 2 dual licenses, with additional area considerations and a required report-back within a year.

A Motion Shaped by Public Input

Council first referred the motion from the June 7, 2022 Council meeting so the Committee could hear from speakers before debate and decision. The Committee heard from six speakers in support and one speaker who spoke to other aspects of the motion.

Balancing Vibrancy with Neighbourhood Impacts

As approved, Council directed staff to lift the DTES and GED moratoria on Liquor Primary licensing only to enable existing and in-stream eligible Food Primary licensees and applicants to apply for dual licensing for Class 1 and 2 Liquor Establishments, under the regular citywide and provincial terms and conditions—while allowing additional considerations specific to the DTES and GED.

The final motion also expands eligibility so new dual licenses can be available to new businesses located on second floors and in basement premises, with the stated intent of adding vibrancy while balancing retail mix and respecting street-level cultural and locally serving retail character.

“One of the most practical ways to support a healthy nighttime economy is to let great Food Primary venues evolve later into smaller, well-managed bar and lounge experiences without pushing the city back toward the problems that the old moratoria were meant to address,” said Councillor Fry. “This motion is about targeted flexibility, paired with accountability, so we can support local businesses and urban vitality while keeping community impacts front and centre.”

Reporting Back with Evidence

Council directed staff to report back in one year, by Q2 2023, with findings and recommendations from the new dual licensing approach, including perspectives on impacts such as effects on other area businesses, neighbourhood visitation and vitality, and issues including noise and safety.

Process Notes
During consideration of Item 9, Councillor Wiebe declared a conflict of interest and left the meeting for the duration of the item. The amendment to the motion was carried unanimously, and the motion as amended was carried unanimously, with noted absences for the vote.

(Member’s Motion B.3)

On June 15, 2022, the Standing Committee carried unanimously a motion moved by Councillor Pete Fry on “Dual Licenses, Cocktail Culture, and Vibrant Urban Nightscapes” The motion was amended, and the final version directs staff to lift the Liquor Primary moratoria in the DTES and GED specifically to allow eligible Food Primary businesses to apply for Class 1 and 2 dual licenses, with additional area considerations and a required report-back within a year.