Newest Penticton craft brewer part of a new era in city’s nightlife

PENTICTON – Citing a changing culture, politicians and residents alike offered few objections to a new Penticton craft brewer’s request to change its operating hours at last night’s city council meeting.

Slackwater Brewing, which is slated to open this summer in the former Mule nightclub location, asked city council yesterday, May 7, for permission to open earlier in the day and close earlier at night.

Slackwater Brewery’s Liam Peyton said the hours he was proposing were “family approachable,” providing him with the flexibility to open early for Farmers' Market patrons and providing a calm, safe late night alternative to a nightclub with a casual approach to night life.

Council agreed that allowing the brew pub to operate from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., instead of noon until 3 a.m., was best for the city's downtown.

Coun. Judy Sentes cautioned against comparing the new operation with that of the former nightclub as one of apples to oranges.

“Our culture is changing, this is something entirely different,” Sentes said, thoughts echoed by fellow councillor Jake Kimberley, who said he was “happy to see this conversion,” noting trends were changing and interest in nightclubs waning.

“Nobody knows disruptions nightclubs cause more than I,” Mayor and former nightclub owner John Vassilaki said, adding times had changed in the city which once had five nightclubs and now had none.

“Things are moving differently now, people are moving to quiet areas where they serve more food than liquor,” Vassilaki said.

Bad Tattoo Brewing representative Lee Agur told council he favoured the request for the brewery to run until 2 a.m. noting there were few things to do late at night in the city.

“It’s not the Mule, it’s a very different establishment. Slackwater is not about late night partying and getting out of hand,” he said.

Cannery Brewing marketing director Kim Lawton said they had no issues with other craft breweries with different hours, calling each of the city’s breweries unique.

“We have a dynamic craft brewer scene here. This is a very good solution for Penticton,” Lawton said.

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