Portage la Prairie's going to be home to a new billiards hall. Council discussed the application from Proud Smoke Holdings last night, to create the billiards hall at the former Norquay Printers. Dave Kirkbride was on hand representing the group and outlined their plans to offer a place for Portagers to play pool, and possibly begin a league. He described the desired crowd of the business as "Older and affluent". The establishment is planned to receive a liquor license, something that didn't sit well with some in the area.

Council received three letters opposing the business, while others attended the meeting to voice their concerns. Much of the concerns surrounded the service of liquor at the establishment, with concerns over impaired driving, rowdy behaviour and other concerns often attached to alcohol. However, it was made clear early in the public hearing that the service of alcohol wasn't an issue to be considered during the meeting, as the province handles the licensing requirements. Mayor Irvine Ferris explains that was the main reason behind Council's unanimous support for the business.

"I think the guidelines were pretty clear during the hearing. Council has a limited role in this. Obviously, they don't make the decision on alcohol that's not ours. They're making the decision solely to allow, or put conditions on the pool hall on the avenue, that's in the by-law."

While the purpose of the hearing was clear to Council, it wasn't clear to some in attendance. Many who attended the meeting began to express their concerns of the licensed establishment, only to be told that wasn't the issue being discussed.

West End Day Care Board Chair Londa Green was one of those to voice concerns, given the close proximity of the day care to the establishment. While she couldn't speak to the issue of liquor, she still had concerns over noise levels, traffic, parking, and the hours. She was surprised with Council's unanimous support, adding while she's not against a pool hall she feels there's a better location.

"They didn't want to deal with drinking being the issue. I was a little bit surprised about that. I'm of the opinion there's probably a better place for that type of establishment."

Kirkbride did his best to address the concerns and says he was surprised by the number of people opposing the pool hall. He emphasizes they're not looking to create a full bar or club, but rather a place where people can play a few games of pool and enjoy a few beverages.

"We want people to come out and be happy, and know we're trying to provide a safe place for people to go. We're not looking to get into the hard partying and such, it's a place for people to go, have a drink, and play some pool."

He says there's a sense of excitement now that the hall's been approved, but notes the timeline of the project isn't known just yet. Meanwhile, those such as Green say they'll see what steps they can take, to prevent the establishment from becoming licensed.