Vancouver outdoor bar closes, citing city permitting process
A beloved outdoor bar in Vancouver's Chinatown that was born due to the COVID-19 pandemic has closed.
The Keefer Yard – an offshoot of The Keefer Bar – announced its closure on Instagram Friday, saying it had been "unsuccessful in landing the permit" it needed from the city to remain open.
"The Keefer Yard was created during COVID as an outdoor space where people could safely still visit their friends," the post reads. "It brought a feeling of normalcy during a dizzying time. It helped The Keefer Bar stay alive when indoor dining centres were forced to close."
Built in an alley, the bar was improved over time with murals by local artists painted on the walls and a mini-golf course installed, proceeds from which were donated to charity.
"A staff base was hired who has since become a very tight social group," the post continues. "For winter we transformed The Yard into a weather proof venue. A tall shelter was built, which allowed airflow from the perimeter so that we could keep guests dry but still offer fresh air during COVID. It was something special."
In a statement, the City of Vancouver said its staff has been working with the operator of The Keefer Yard since early 2021 on its application for a development permit for the covered patio.
The city said it was not a rejection of a permit that forced the bar to close, but rather an inspection by Vancouver Fire Rescue Service.
"On Friday of last week, VFRS conducted an inspection of the property and issued an order to discontinue cooking and use of space heaters in the temporary structure," the city said. "Those activities posed a serious and immediate risk of fire and the operator had previously been issued multiple notices of violation."
On the matter of the building permit, the city said it advised the business "early in the process" that the temporary structure at the site did not comply with the city's building bylaw. The city also claimed that staff had met with The Keefer Yard as recently as earlier this month to try to resolve the issue.
"The order from the fire chief only pertained to the fire hazards," the city said. "Had the operator opted to comply with those requirements, they could have continued to operate the patio while pursuing a resolution of the building bylaw issues."
The Keefer Bar remains open.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.