Two days after a Kelowna resident announced he would be taking legal action against the Revelry Food + Music Hub in downtown Kelowna, the owner has chimed in to defend his business.
The owner of the music hub, which will be located at 1383 Ellis Street, says it will bring a new business model to the city with its unique combination of a fast casual cafe, music hall and meeting accommodations.
“Kelowna is evolving. In this post-pandemic environment, new models are required to save live music – because it is in trouble,” states Lee Simon in a statement.
“We will continue our endless work on behalf of live music, and the countless benefits and connections that it provides for our community.”
Last Tuesday, Kelowna council decided to support a liquor licence application for Revelry.
However, residents of the adjacent Madison condo building voiced strong opposition.
Lloyd Pederson, the strata president, believes that Revelry will turn into a nightclub and will be “extremely disruptive” to residents living on Doyle Avenue and Ellis Street.
Simon counters these claims by pointing to the C7 – Central Business Commercial zoning of the property which can be used for food primary establishments, hotels, liquor primary establishments and spectator entertainment establishments.
He reiterates that Revelry will not be a nightclub because of the hours and the focus on live music and food primary services.
“(Nightclubs don’t) consistently charge for event tickets, provide restaurant service, have a full-service kitchen, offer meeting facilities or present programming for a variety of ages, including youth,” remarks the owner of the music hub
Simon adds that the liquor licence was required to allow for both standing room shows and seated events to be hosted.
He argues that Kelowna has a lack of live music venues which he says is supported through the 2021 Central Okanagan Music Strategy report and the 2020-2025 City of Kelowna Cultural Plan
During last week's public hearing, Pederson also took issue with the 685 person occupancy.
However, Simon explains that the occupancy would include up to 600 patrons and up to 85 staff, including artists.
He claims that the Kelowna Community Theatre can accommodate more than 850 people, does not have a full-service kitchen and has a liquor primary licence running from 11 am to 1 am.
However, Revelry’s capacity would be for 600 patrons standing or 300 seated. Simon points out that it will have a full-service kitchen with a dual food primary and liquor primary licence. He adds that music events will be required to end an hour before closing.
“I fully appreciate that challenges with the liquor licence regulations and required communication methods can lead to misunderstandings by the public. Still, opposition to both our development permit and liquor licence appears limited to one civic address – the Madison,” states Simon.
“For those wishing to join this action, I would suggest confirming legal grounds for such a case before committing. Should a lawsuit be filed against us, we will respond in kind. Live music is always worth fighting for.”
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