NEWS RELEASE

HRM Council approves new development agreement option for Quinpool Road restaurants

(Wednesday, October 20, 2010) HRM Council voted last night (Oct. 19) to support a unique licensing arrangement for the Quinpool Road Business District, allowing restaurants in the area to apply
for permission to serve alcohol without an accompanying food order.

Under Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority regulations, a licensed restaurant may only serve alcoholic beverages if a meal is purchased. While licensed restaurants are permitted in the Quinpool Road Zone, the Halifax Peninsula Land-Use By Law does not permit stand-alone lounges in this zone. However, there were some exemptions in the area and, following further study, input from the public and affected businesses, and approval at the community council level, an option for development agreements was prepared for Regional Council and presented Tuesday night.

The development agreement would limit the size of the lounge to a maximum of 50 percent of the restaurant area.

Last night’s stamp of approval still requires further review by the province before the new policy comes into effect. Once that approval is given, each restaurant owner interested in amending their status must apply and proceed through the HRM development agreement process which includes public consultation and approval by Peninsula Community Council.

For the full staff report, go to: http://www.halifax.ca/Commcoun/pcc/documents/se131013.pdf.

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Contact:

Shaune MacKinlay
HRM Public Affairs Manager
490-6531