Cat & Fiddle looks to burn candle at both ends with longer operating hours

The early bird may get the worm, and the Cat & Fiddle Pub may get the early bird.

The Port Coquitlam pub is applying to open at 9 a.m. on special occasions to host fans of FIFA, the Olympics, and other events that don’t line up with the West Coast television schedule.

The Cat & Fiddle, which currently closes at 1 a.m. during the week and at midnight on Sundays, would also be permitted to stay open until 2 a.m. for special events regardless of the day of the week.

While the final decisions rests with the B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, Port Coquitlam council gave the application its unanimous support on Tuesday.

“I’m surprised that it was not going to be earlier,” said Coun. Dean Washington of the requested opening hours. The pub currently opens at 11 a.m.

While he voiced an issue with the province reallocating $1.4 billion from the community housing fund while spending an exorbitant sum on FIFA matches, Coun. Glenn Pollock said he liked the idea of fans being able to watch the game and have a beer.

“I’m happy to support this in hopes that at least some of our PoCo businesses will benefit,” he said.

Mayor Brad West also supported the application while adding that he didn’t think the application should even be necessary

“I don’t even think that this should have to be a thing,” he said, calling the provincial rules on liquor service “archaic.”

“Hopefully, one day we get to a place where businesses can do what they need to do to respond to the needs of customers,” he said.

If approved, the application would also allow the 50-seat patio on the south side of the pub to become permanent.