Liquor trumps ladies.
Since The Boot Pub in Whistler closed four years ago, the Ocean Port Pub has played host to the only regular exotic entertainment in the Sea to Sky Corridor. But the majority has spoken and Ocean Port Hotel owner Scott McQuade is ready to make the necessary transition.
"The exotic dancing will be done because we need a bigger liquor store," said McQuade. "It's that simple."
The 3,000-square-foot space that currently houses the bar will be turned into a liquor store and the smaller 1,000-square-foot area that currently serves as the liquor store and café, will become the pub.
"It [the new pub] will be a smaller room and more lounge-like," McQuade said.
McQuade made it clear that both the hotel and the liquor store will not close during the renovations and transition period.
"The liquor store will never close, not even for a day," he said, adding that the bar, however, will likely be closed for six months.
"The last day for exotic dancers will be March 10 and the last night the pub will be open before renovations will be March 12."
McQuade said the venue closure wouldn't conflict with any scheduled concerts and those already booked Santa Lucia LFR, The Idlers and Union will go ahead as planned.
"We're going out with a bang," he said. "We're going to have some pretty cool acts on the way out the door."
McQuade said renovation plans hinge on local government approval, which he hopes will come through soon.
