For almost a century, the Meraloma clubhouse has sat in Connaught Park on West 10th Avenue. This week, the club moved one giant step closer to obtaining a permanent liquor licence.

On Wednesday (May 18), Vancouver city council unanimously approved a recommendation for a 107-person liquor-primary licence and a 114-person outdoor patio.

Though the club was originally founded by and for swimmers, today it primarily consists of rugby players. In the past, the club has had to apply for a special-occasion licence each time it hosts an event. Council's vote will likely enable the club to serve liquor, but first the application must be approved by the provincial government.

Council heard from members of the club, as well as residents who were both for and against the licensing.

Ian McBean, a resident of the neighbourhood for 28 years, supported the club.

“They’ve been good neighbours, extended a helping hand to homeowners, and have a club policy that promotes not parking in neighbourhood spots,” said McBean before council.

Not all residents of the community we’re supportive, however. Todd Law came equipped with a multimedia presentation outlining his concerns. Law has lived in the area since 2005 and has two young children who both go to school nearby. His rationale was based on the past behavior of rugby players and came with an anecdote.

“One day, I was walking with my daughter in the park,” said Law. “I saw one of the players urinating on a tree and then go back to his game. I was livid and infuriated and I decided if I had the opportunity to limit this, then I would.”

Law mentioned a couple of other factors, such as the many schools nearby and the risk of players drinking and driving.

Council didn’t agree, however. With a few councillors absent and Vision’s Andrea Reimer abstaining because she plays for the Meralomas, the remaining members sided with the club.

“I think you’ve got a good history in the neighbourhood, and all the schools like you,” said Vision councillor Heather Deal, addressing some members of the club who were in attendance. In fact, the club’s application did include a letter of support from neighbouring Kitsilano secondary school and its principal, Jim Burnham.

Green councillor Adriane Carr agreed with Deal.

“I think people’s fears are overblown and instead what they should look at is the good record of the club in the community,” said Carr. “The emails that we got were slightly weighted against this project, but the public consultation was clearly in support. This particular proposal was vetted by the Park Board and they unanimously supported the proposal. I’m certainly happy to support this.”