Seeking an exemption to liquor laws

HALIFAX— Customers frequenting bars and restaurants on Quinpool Road could soon be able to have a drink without first having to order food.

Halifax Regional Council has taken steps to amend a by-law to allow customers to order a drink without food, a first for the city, according to Karla Nicholson, general manager of the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association.

Nicholson said two restaurant owners on Quinpool Road, Mezza Mediterranean Grill and Rock Island Café, have spearheaded the efforts to have the by-law changed.

“They felt it was hurting them competitively, as people could not stay to have a drink and take in the entertainment,” she said.

Under currently land use bylaws, lounges are not allowed on Quinpool, with the exception of three businesses, which existed before the by-law went into effect. However, restaurants are allowed as long as they serve food to patrons.

Rock Island Café regularly has live music, and customers were not able to stay and take in the show or come in for a drink after work, without having to order food.

“The impact on them (Rock Island and Mezza) will be huge. We feel it will put us on level field.”

Nicholson said a public consultation still needs to be held, and the proposed by-law still requires formal approval by Halifax Regional Council.

Three businesses on Quinpool Road, Freeman’s Little New York, Athens Restaurant and Atlantica Hotel, currently have lounge licenses allowing them to serve alcohol without food. Their licenses pre-date the introduction of the by-law regulating the serving of alcohol with food.