Open house on nightclub proposal goes tonight

The public will have a chance to have its say on a controversial proposal for a new, 400-seat nightclub in downtown Prince George today.

A group of local investors is seeking to convert the former Cineplex Odeon movie theatre and Good Times Bingo hall at the intersection of Vancouver Street and Third Avenue into a nightclub to be called Coyote's. The City of Prince George is hosting an open house today on the proposed rezoning needed to allow liquor service at the site.

Fourth Avenue residents Sue and Doug Hanson are one family who will be attending the open house.

The Hansons have seen a dramatic decrease in the amount of vandalism, public drunkenness and empty bottles thrown in their yard, since the Cadilllac Ranch bar closed on Second Avenue.

"We had our fence kicked in and people passed out drunk. We just aren't seeing any of that anymore," Sue Hanson said. "[But] my husband and I are going to go with an open mind. Maybe the issue is in the past, they've got plans to mitigate those problems."

Prince George RCMP have opposed the proposed increase in liquor operation, citing a decrease in nuisance behaviour and crime downtown following the closure of several bars.

The club would operate using a dormant liquor license from the now-closed Roadhouse Cabaret and operate 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday to Saturday. However, the liquor license request would allow the club to open as early as 11 a.m. and operate seven days a week to accommodate special events.

City staff and the proponents will be on hand to answer questions and take feedback from the public, city planner Jesse Dill said. Proponents for the new club include longtime Prince George Hotel operators Ted and Robert Coole, Nate Coole, liquor store and First Litre Pub owner Cam Thun and Lorne Larose.

The open house runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre, room 201.

"We're hoping to have a good turnout," Dill said. "We sent [a notice] directly to those most effected. [But] we certainly want to publicize it as a public event."