Nearly two weeks after its proposed opening date, Harley's Hardrock Saloon has yet to set up shop in its new location.
In November, the business, which bills itself as "Canada's northernmost strip club" announced it would be moving to the old Lenny Burger and KFC building on 48th Street, Dec. 1.
Aside from the adult entertainment, the new venture will feature a full menu and an all-day breakfast, in partnership with Twin Pine Diner. It also aims to include a cannabis shop. But those plans have now stalled.
December 13, 2018.
Harley's Hardrock Saloon was supposed to move into the old Lenny Burger building on December 1, but due to "unforeseen circumstances" obtaining a liquor licence, has run into delays.
“Due to an unforeseen setback in the last step of obtaining our liquor licence in the new building, we are unable to open the bar tomorrow as we had planned,” a Nov. 30 post from Harley's Facebook page stated.
According to the NWT Liquor Licensing Board (LLB), once an application for a liquor licence is submitted, the business owner is responsible for notifying the public of their application.
“The Board will only waive this requirement if the application is for a transfer, otherwise you must publish two notices in the local newspaper – at least six days apart and at least 21 days before the Board is scheduled to hold a licence hearing,” the Class A liquor license handbook states.
The public hearing for Harley's new liquor licence application is Jan. 7.
"Assuming that the application is complete and that no amendments or further clarification is required as a result of issues that arise in the public hearing, the Board would consider any submissions, written or verbal, made by the applicant and members of the public, and a decision could be made the same day or within a day or two," stated Valerie Daniels, an administrative assistant at Liquor Licensing & Enforcement in an email, adding she could not comment on Harley's specifically.
Harley's co-owners Sara and Mike Handley have not responded to multiple requests for comment on a new opening date, or how the delays will affect staff.