PumpJack Pub gets city endorsement to double its space

The PumpJack Pub will expand its space and programming in time for 2014 Pride events, co-owner Vince Marino says.

“Our space will double,” he tells Xtra.

The popular pub, located at 1167 Davie St, will grow into the neighbouring venue, formerly the Cho Pain bakery. PumpJack took over the bakery’s lease on Aug 1.

“We’ve been looking at that space for a while,” Marino says. “The community has said they’d like a bigger pub.”

Before the expansion could proceed, the pub had to apply for a permit and produce architectural design plans. “There are steps to complete,” he explains.

City council supported the pub’s application to increase its capacity on Dec 18 and endorsed its request for a new licence.

“Council approved the staff recommendation to endorse the application for an increase in the number of liquor seats from 107 to 244,” city spokesperson Maureen Gulyas confirms.

“Council direction is not an approval but an endorsement that is forwarded to the provincial liquor licensing, which will issue the final licence before the establishment can expand,” she says.

Marino can’t say when the renovations will be complete but hopes the larger space will be open to the public by spring.

“We want it complete as soon as possible because we are paying rent on the space and it’s not generating any revenue right now,” he notes.

Once the province issues the licence, the pub owners will have to apply for a development permit, which would consider factors such as parking and a building permit for the structural modifications.

The city will then have to issue a new business licence to reflect the changes, Gulyas says, adding that the pub’s hours will remain unchanged.

The process is “simply a part of licensing and expansion,” Marino says. But “everything is lining up,” he says. “It has been a positive process with the city.”

“The community has been supportive of us [as well],” he adds.

Pub patrons can expect some exciting new changes following the expansion, Marino promises. “We will be able to expand our programming, have a larger dancefloor and be able to host more community events.”