City Council says ‘cheers’ to Bay Street brewpub
In a unanimous decision Thursday night at City Hall, Council voted to approve the rezoning requested by the proponents of the Moon Under Water brewpub.
As covered previously here, Don and Bonnie Bradley hope to open their combination brewery, restaurant and pub October 1 in the former Direct Buy location on Bay Street near the foot of the Point Ellice Bridge.
Councillor Chris Coleman (right) asks co-owner Bonnie Bradley a question regarding Moon Under Water's rezoning application. Photo by Robert Randall © VibrantVictoria.ca.
Following on the positive recommendation of City staff, Council said the granting of a Liquor Primary license, a requirement for the pub, would have little or no negative impact on the neighbourhood.
When one Councillor mentioned there are no known problems associated with local English-style pubs, Councillor John Luton joked there indeed was a problem–not enough of them.
Councillor Chris Coleman mentioned the pub’s limited drink menu, which would only feature beers, ciders and scotches. Bradley said that the limitation was voluntary and City Staff confirmed that if the pub changed hands, any new owner could open a full-service bar. However, the owners say they wish to cater to a discerning clientele with a smaller selection of quality alcohol, rather than offer what Bradley calls “cheap three-ounce-pour martini-style drinks” that encourage overindulgence.
The pub's name was inspired by a George Orwell article. Image supplied.
The Bradleys were seeking a parking variance in addition to the rezoning. Because bylaws state that there must be one parking space for every three seats, a seven stall variance was requested and granted. Paul Seal, who spoke in support at the Public Hearing noted that the number 14 bus stops right outside the entrance of the proposed 86-seat pub. Denis Oliver was the sole dissenting citizen at the packed hearing, stating that Victoria has more Liquor Primary licenses per capita than any other BC city and should therefore approve no more. A comment from the Burnside-Gorge community meeting said a return to industrial use would be preferable for the Rock Bay site. Bonnie Bradley disagreed, saying the brewery actually returns the former home furnishings buying club to a manufacturing use more suited to its M-3 industrial zoning.
Bonnie Bradley told Council the pub would be a welcome addition to the Rock Bay neighbourhood and plans on having business-friendly soup and sandwich lunch specials for the numerous workers in the area. Council was shown a list signed by employees of neighbouring businesses endorsing the pub.
To discuss the Moon Under Water Pub on the VibrantVictoria.ca discussion forum, click here.
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Responses to this Headline or Article
The five most recent replies to VibrantVictoria.ca's discussion forum's Moon Under Water Pub Brewery | Victoria | 350-B Bay St. thread, the most relevant thread to the above headline or article:
pontcanna
Mar 28, 2011 at 8:32 pmQuote: If its backed up Monday I will be stopping in at the Moon for a brew :)
No you won't - they're closed Monday/Tuesday :)
amor de cosmos
Aug 08, 2011 at 9:16 amQuote: 1000K Blonde will support the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, an annual 1000 kilometre bike race around Vancouver Island to raise money for pediatric cancer research.
The beer will be available in limited edition bottles at the pub and The Strath beer and wine store starting the week of August 21st, with all proceeds to be donated to the Tour.
Mike K.
Aug 08, 2011 at 10:05 amAny idea why the release would be limited to only one liquor store?
amor de cosmos
Aug 08, 2011 at 6:40 pmthey've got a small tank that they use for seasonals & one-offs so I guess they aren't making enough. that's the only reason I can think of.
amor de cosmos
Nov 17, 2011 at 10:55 amlooks like a cool setup they've got there
