A local restaurant that turned metaphorical lemons into metaphorical lemonade is back open for business as of Friday, May 3.
The Narrow Lounge was closed from April 26 to May 2 after the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) ordered them to be closed for a week or pay a $7,000 fine.
"In true Narrow style, we’re going to fight the good fight and turn this into a positive by using the week’s closure [...] for some awesome upgrades to our food and beverage program and a fresh lick of paint for your favourite Main Street speakeasy," stated The Narrow and Narrow Group's David Duprey in a media release.
True to its word, The Narrow team did a deep clean of the storied space, which has been open for 16 years, as well as put in some noteworthy new features.
Decor upgrades, new drinks menu
Patrons will still look for the red light to know the restaurant/bar is open and enter through a dim hall, though the heavily tagged wall has now been re-painted with big, bold, tag-like artwork.
Inside, fresh paint and some tidying up may not be discernible to the naked eye, but Duprey told V.I.A. during a visit on Thursday the work was much needed.
One big change returning guests will notice is that the restroom wall now has a massive collage by a local artist with an eye-catching motif (vintage sexy magazine photos and nudes), perhaps vaulting The Narrow into the ranks of some of the city's most-photographed bathrooms.
Additionally, Narrow Lounge is kicking off a new bar menu designed by bar manager Levi DeVos.
DeVos tells V.I.A. he was inspired by several popular recent cocktail trends to create some of his new beverages - but with exciting twists.
His new signature creations include the Tsumami (Havana Club 3 Year, Pinot Grigio, five spice cordial, pineapple) and the Lavender Gin Fizz #2 (Lavender infused Beefeater, Amaro Montenegro, salted vanilla bean). Those who wish to hang out but not imbibe alcohol can ask for a bespoke mocktail from the bar.
A revamped food menu is forthcoming, says Duprey.
Business owner acknowledges employee's mistake during liquor board visit
In an interview with V.I.A., Duprey noted the infraction that led to the one-week closure occurred in October 2023 and stemmed from several issues during an undercover inspection, including what Duprey characterizes as a misunderstanding at the end of the day.
"The bartender mistakenly said 'no food' 15 minutes before we were supposed to close," Duprey tells V.I.A. "The kid was mistaken."
In fact, the kitchen was open and other staff was aware of that, he explains.
As the Narrow Lounge has a food primary liquor license, the kitchen must remain open and food served while alcohol is being served.
In a "Notice of Enforcement Action" sent to the Narrow Lounge, the LCRB also noted the Narrow Lounge didn't appear to be selling enough food when compared to alcohol, had its lights low, and most patrons appeared to have liquor-type drinks, among other similar issues inspectors suggested were not proper in a restaurant.
The business went so far as to hire a lawyer to help fight the infraction. In a letter to the LCRB they stated the rules are vague around definitions of food and liquor establishments.
Duprey notes that restaurants don't decide what the patrons purchase. It's up to the customers what to order and food was always on the menu.
"I can't force them to eat," he explains.
Duprey explains the part-time bartender ended up losing his job because of the infraction and staff have since been retrained, but the LCBR insisted on moving forward with the fine-or-closure punishment, at significant expense to the independent 45-seat restaurant located at 1898 Main St.
"$7,000 probably represents three months' profit for me," he says. "It's huge; it's stressful."
The Narrow is open seven days a week with Happy Hour offered daily until 7 p.m. both inside and on the "secret" back patio.
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