Support for winery lounges

Penticton city council supported two winery lounge endorsements on Tuesday.

One was for Little Engine Wines at 851 Naramata Rd. in Penticton. Located near Red Rooster, it will be the fourth winery within a 0.5-kilometre radius. The hours will be from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. No members of the public spoke either in support or opposition at Tuesday’s meeting.

Time Winery at 361 Martin St. in the old PenMar Theatre building also received unanimous support from council.

Proprietor Harry McWatters, away judging an international wine competition, supplied a letter to council that was read by his daughter, Lindsay. McWatters said he’s never had a complaint about any of his wineries.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on being good neighbours,” he wrote.

Walter Pohl, who resides behind the building at 374 Winnipeg St., supplied a letter to council signed by most of the residents in his building. Pohl’s list of concerns included smell, noise, insects and rodents, proximity to Charles Manor Seniors Residence and possible unruly behaviour.

Speaking in an authoritative tone, Coun. Judy Sentes asked, “Do you know the reputation this winery proprietor has?”

She later said the city has bylaws in place for noise and inappropriate behaviour.

“Why aren’t you comfortable with the bylaws the city has in place?” Sentes asked.

Coun. Max Picton said the patio is on the opposite side of the building facing Martin Street — away from any residential units.

“We do want to offer some nightlife for our residents. We are talking about a business being located in the downtown core,” Picton said. “Where in our city would you suggest be an appropriate spot to locate this?”