It’s a very different kind of backcountry permit: Backcountry Brewing wants permission from council to continue to hold large events at their business..
The company's owners are asking for a temporary use permit that would allow them to legally host special events up to 24 times a year.
The Squamish Industrial Park brewery and eatery would then be sanctioned to have up to 99 people in attendance at one time, including staff — but councillors suggested on Tuesday that it should be a temporary solution.
If granted, the permit will not increase the number of seats in backcountry, it is specifically to allow them to serve food and beverage to more people outside on the event site.
At a committee discussing the issue on Tuesday, Coun. Susan Chapelle supported the idea, noting that she had seen people turned away at both Backcountry’s Pride event last month and at Northyard Cider’s grand opening night.
“There are a lot of craft beverage facilities in the area that are all having difficulties with events. Because we don’t have any event spaces, they’re all being run out of our breweries,” said Chapelle.
The production of alcoholic beverages is permitted in light industrial zones, which has attracted multiple breweries, cideries and a distillery to the industrial park.
Unfortunately, the I-8 zoning also limits restaurant seating to 50 people. Under the “accessory uses” in the zoning, craft beverage makers are also allowed to sell products and merchandise.
“People are trying to expand their businesses in this area, and employment is growing in the sector. We need to support that,” said Chapelle.
Coun. Doug Race said he was happy to see the growth in the area, but said he would prefer more widespread zoning changes in the area rather than temporary use changes.
“[A temporary use permit] is limited. If it works, eventually you need to bite the bullet and rezone it. That’s my view on that,” he said.
**Please note, this story has been corrected since it was first posted. The TUP, due to it’s size does not need to come back before council, as an earlier version of this story stated. It can be reviewed by council’s delegated authorities
