Odyssey nightclub finds new home in Vancouver

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      A former president of the UBC Alma Mater Society, Bijan Ahmadian, has confirmed that one of the city's most popular LGBT bars, the Odyssey, is making a comeback.

      Ahmadian, now a lawyer and president and CEO of the Odyssey Bar, told the Straight by phone that the new location will be in the former Pop Opera location at 686 West Hastings Street.

      He explained that the company must still obtain a building permit for the new location, but there's already a liquor licence in place.

      “We transferred the one from Pop Opera because the other location’s liquor licence expired," Ahmadian said. "It was in a dormant status for over three years.”

      The lease for the new location was signed in December and the City of Vancouver approved their application, which included Shower Power (a shower stall for male go-go dancers) and an alley entrance. The development permit was received on December 18. A specific opening date in spring will be announced once the building permit is received.

      The Odyssey's old location at 1251 Howe Street is being converted into a city housing project.

      In 2009, Calverton Holdings Ltd. applied to transfer its Odyssey liquor licence to a new LGBT club that would be in the old Starlight Theatre at 911 Denman Street.

      However, opposition from West End neighbours caused council to nix the company's application.

      At the time, club owner Michael Levy warned that it might mean he would have to close the business.

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