The Gull Bar and Kitchen will likely be able to restart serving customers on its curbside patio.
City of North Vancouver council gave its unanimous support for the business to operate a liquor-licensed patio on East First Street.
City staff said the support is conditional on the patio operating with its intended use, not causing too much noise and that it’s consistent with the vision for Lower Lonsdale.
Council voted to opt out of a public consultation process, and instead allow the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch to carry out its own process before approving the related licensing.
Currently, The Gull operates as a liquor primary establishment with a lounge at 175 East First St. It’s held that licence since rebranding in August 2020 from its previous identity, The Rusty Gull, which had been conducting business at the same location since 1983, according to a staff report.
The 97-square-foot curbside patio is directly in front of The Gull, on the road. The 12-person seating area is intended to give patrons a sunnier dining experience, particularly during the warmer months, staff said.
The patio was previously approved through the city’s outdoor dining program and a temporary provincial extended service area program. The curbside patio operated for two years without any complaints to bylaw services, staff said. But the expanded service program expired at the end of 2024.
Staff noted that the city currently has seven liquor primary establishments. There are also 10 liquor manufacturers across the 100 to 300 blocks of East Esplanade, and all but one have an outdoor patio.
Coun. Holly Back said the patio is in keeping with the neighbourhood.
“[I’m] totally fine with it,” she said.
Mayor Linda Buchanan also voiced her support.
“People like the patios, especially on hot days. They like to be outside,” she said. “It just adds to not just what people want, but also adds to the vibrancy of the community.”
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