TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 9, 2024 Report No. DEV-24-043
TO: Council
FROM: Mikaila Montgomery, Planner and Bill Brown, Director of Development
SUBJECT: Liquor Licence Request for Comment - CFB Esquimalt
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council opt out of commenting on the Liquor Primary Licence Terms and Conditions Change application from the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt Messes.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Township of Esquimalt has been notified of an application to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch because the applicant (CFB Esquimalt) is requesting to amend the terms and conditions of an existing Liquor Primary Licence which would increase the occupant load of the licence from 13 to 14 vessels.
BACKGROUND:
Liquor Policy Manual - 3.3.3 Motor Vessels
Special conditions apply to liquor sales and service on motor vessels, established under the Branch’s broader authority to set licence terms and conditions under section 15 of the Liquor Control and Licensing Act. The conditions for motor vessels were established to accommodate the circumstances of a particular category of motor vessel, including dinner cruises - or larger motor vessels that ply scheduled routes or travel from one destination to another. While the provincial statutes and regulations do not apply to the federal government, the Department of National Defence submits and liquor licence application out of courtesy.
Referral Comments:
Victoria Police:
This application and the staff’s recommendation were shared with VicPD on July 29, 2024. A representative responded that there are no comments or concerns.
ANALYSIS:
Staff recommend that Council opt out of commenting on the application for several reasons. First, the legal authority for a local government to comment on an application from the federal government is not typical. Secondly, liquor consumption on the ship will have negligible impact on the residents of Esquimalt given the physical distance of the ship to the nearest homes. Finally, there is a robust system to maintain law and order on the base including the military police. When the Township opts out of commenting on an application, the LCRB performs whatever consultation and analysis is deemed necessary.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council opt out of commenting on the Terms and Conditions Change Application from CFB Esquimalt Messes and direct staff to respond to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
2. That Council opt in to commenting on the Terms and Conditions Change Application from CFB Esquimalt Messes and direct staff to respond to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch; and
That Council direct staff to gather the views of residents and prepare a report back to Council with recommendations.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Good Governance and Organizational Excellence
Strong Relationships and Partnerships
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
No engagement is required at this stage.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
The Township of Esquimalt is required to respond to the LCRB within 90 days of July 24, 2024.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Bill Brown, Director of Development
2. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
3. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
4. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
1. Appendix A: Letter of intent