A hearing has been set for February 1 at which time council will receive public submissions regarding a proposal to operate a lounge at 66 Montague Street.

 Juergen and Eva Ziegler, owners of the Rumrunner Inn, made the application which was presented to the planning advisory committee (PAC) in December.

 During that meeting, Ms Ziegler explained to council that the couple are seeking a development agreement which would allow them to serve liquor only to patrons who come to their premises to listen to live music.

 The establishment currently is licenced to serve liquor as a restaurant which requires patrons to have a meal in order to consume alcohol.

 Ms Ziegler said they have operated a restaurant and inn responsibly for several years under those guidelines and have trained staff who assist them in maintaining a respectful and lawful establishment.

 Several submissions were made by the public at that time regarding the application, and, although some concerns were raised regarding the lounge's hours of operation and possible noise issues, the majority of residents in attendance supported the application.

 After discussion, the committee voted to recommend to council that they proceed with a public hearing on the proposal following certain changes being made to the draft document.

 Those include having the lounge's primary entrance located off Bluenose Drive and clauses added that windows and doors of the establishment remain closed when entertainment is being provided and that no entertainment be presented outside the building.

 PAC also agreed to recommend to council that they accept the applicant's proposed hours of operation, which would be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

 Last week council accepted PAC's recommendations and agreed that a public hearing be held February 1 at 6 p.m. in the town hall's first-floor committee room.

posted on 01/11/11