Is Vancouver getting more “fun”?
According to the report by Global News, the city council just approved a set of bylaw changes that will allow liquor service in downtown Vancouver to go as late as 4 AM.
Other parts of Vancouver would be seeing new limits of 3 AM on weekends and 2 AM on weeknights.
But don’t expect your neighbourhood bar to immediately jump on it.
Each business will still need to apply individually to extend their service hours, and that process includes input from nearby residents and the community.
So it’s not an automatic green light.
But this isn’t just about longer nights out and dispeling that “no fun city” joke, it’s also about helping struggling nightlife small businesses.
The change also lifts restrictions for new liquor license-holding businesses in their first few months – something many operators have argued made launching nearly impossible in a city already tough for new ventures.
The city’s internal report states that very few businesses actually operated at their maximum allowable hours even after 3 AM extensions were offered last year.
But, there’s still the question of how you’re getting home after last call.
SkyTrain shuts down before 1:30 AM, but TransLink’s NightBus service steps in with buses every 20 to 30 minutes.
TransLink says it’s working on expanding service with its Access for Everyone plan to support the city’s evolving night economy.
So you’ll likely have to rely on Uber or Lyft if you do plan to party well into the early mornings.
So when can you expect the change?
Not until fall.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.