Rey Sports Bar Irving
British Columbia's Ministry of Health appears to be taking a hands-off approach to a Vancouver movie theatre's plan to transform into a sports bar and stay open amid COVID-19 restrictions.
'For the Rio Theatre, if they are fully licensed, and the conditions are met under the order, including an approved safety plan, then likely yes, they could operate as a restaurant or bar,' a ministry spokesperson said in an email.
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'This demonstrates the ingenuity of a long-standing B.C. business in unprecedented times.'
On Tuesday, the theatre's owner told Global News they were making the switch out of frustration with B.C. restrictions that allow bars and restaurants to operate with COVID-19 safety protocols in place, but ban movie screenings.
Read more: Rio Theatre set to re-open as sports bar as movie theatres remain closed in British Columbia
The theatre has both liquor and foodservice licences.
'On the one hand, I'm I'm happy because it means it sounds like we can probably go ahead with our our sports bar plan. But at the same time, it's just like, 'Are you serious? Are you kidding me?' owner Corrine Lea told CKNW's Lynda Steele Show Wednesday.
'That instead of changing the rules that don't make sense, they would rather praise us for being 'innovative' and ditching the arts for sports?'
Lea said the theatre already had a COVID-19 safety plan in place that was drafted earlier this year, requiring minor modifications to switch over to the sports bar model.
She said she is confident the theatre will be able to open and meet all safety requirements required of a licensed food and beverage establishment, though said the use of 'likely' in the ministry's statement was still concerning.
'It does make you feel uncertain and worried that, yeah, you could go to all this effort and still get shut down,' she said.
READ MORE: Coronavirus paints unclear picture for movie theatres heading into 2021
'The most important thing is that theatres get taken out of the 'events' category and we should be put in the same category as bars and restaurants.'
Asked if there was any concern about the theatre potentially skirting COVID-19 regulations, Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon also praised the theatre for its innovation.
'My view is that we've got rules in place to ensure the public is safe,' he said.
'Businesses have been adapting very well to those rules — sometimes not overly happy with some of the rules that are put in place, but public safety is number one. So if businesses find innovative ways to operate within the safety rules, I think that's a good thing.'
Under the sports bar plan, guests will be limited to groups of six, provided they are all from the same household, and the volume from the screen will be limited.
The theatre will be open Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The plan is to remain open seven days a week, from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the other days.
Irving, Texas is an interesting spot to visit in the area! We love the diverse variety of bars and restaurants to visit, as there's something to fit every taste and budget. When it comes to high quality adventuring, you know we've got your back! Here are some of our favorite spots for eating and drinking in the Irving area. We're positive that you'll love them just as much as we do!
THE AVOCADO
220 E Las Colinas BlvdIrving, TX
Hookah Bar: The Avocado is a sought after lounge in the Irving area of Texas. Here, you can always count on artfully plated meals and some of the most innovative cocktails. The outdoor patio is perfect for the summer months, and we love that the menu is always changing here. The ahi tuna tower is the most ordered dish here, and after you take a look at it you'll see exactly why.
FENJANI MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
2238 West Walnut Hill LnIrving, TX
Lounge: Fenjani is a hookah bar and Mediterranean grill all rolled up into one. Here, there is always entertainment, whether that's in the form of a relevant DJ or a beautiful belly dancer. Here, it's entirely BYOB, so you get to bring your favorite bottle of wine or drink along with you. There's a $10 cover to ge tin, and you're sure to enjoy the time you have here. Be sure to order some dessert here!
STONZ LAVA GRILL AND LOUNGE
949 W Royal Ln Ste 140Irving, TX
Lounge: We love coming to Stonz Lava Grill because it offers Asian Fusion and Mediterranean food option to enjoy. The buffet that's available here is the perfect way to get the perfect portions of the food you enjoy. The Stonz here are amazing, as the food comes out to you still cooking on a hot stone. The decor inside of this restaurant really makes you feel like you're in a premium restaurant.
THE LOFT RESTAURANT AND BAR
1001 W Royal LnIrving, TX
Sports Bar: Come on out to the LOFT to enjoy a sushi bar with a lounge atmosphere. This chic restaurant even has a pool area outdoors, so you can be certain that you're going to enjoy yourself whenever you come here for food and drink. The entire restaurant has a contemporary feel that makes you glad to be there. You can't go wrong with ordering the chefs choice of sushi, it's one of our favorites.
REY'S RESTAURANT
2836 N O'ConnorIrving, TX
Sports Bar: Rey's Restaurant specializes in providing Tex-Mex cuisine in a sports bar setting. We can't get enough of the custom cocktails available here, specifically the delicious Apple tini. The food isn't bad either, as their portions are consistently generous. The personable waitresses are happy to list off their specials to you, so get down here the next time you want a taco and a margarita.
THE KEG STEAKHOUSE AND BAR
Rey Sports Bar Irving
859 W John Carpenter FwyIrving, TX
Steakhouse: We love the Keg Steakhouse & Bar! They really know how to make high quality dishes here. This is a fitting destination for any special event such as a date night or birthday. There's a variety of drinks available on their drink listing, and you might need a minute to go through all of them! The lobster dishes here are made with the freshest catch in the area. You can't go wrong with Keg.