Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Chilliwack council members will review a liquor license application from a recreational axe throwing business on Young Road at their meeting on Tuesday, January 23. Axe House Chilliwack opened in 2023 and hosts a variety of functions including birthday parties, corporate team-building sessions and other functions. By adding the option to serve alcohol, the company says it's hoping to provide an added amenity, though axe/knife throwing remains the primary focus of its business. It also sells food, drinks and snacks. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Axe House Chilliwack

Chilliwack council to review liquor license application for axe throwing business on Young Road

Jan 22, 2024 | 3:44 PM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack council members will review a liquor license application from a recreational axe throwing business on Young Road at their meeting on Tuesday, January 23.

According to a city staff report authored by Jamie Leggatt, director of communications and legislative services for the City of Chilliwack, a liquor license application has been received from Axe House Chilliwack, located at 101-8950 Young Road. The primary business focus for Axe House is leisure-oriented axe throwing, while liquor sales are seen as an ancillary use in the building, which has a proposed capacity of 55 patrons.

Axe House describes itself as a premium axe/knife throwing experience that opened in 2023. Documents attached to the liquor license application indicate that business growth has produced a desire by guests to see more dining and beverage offerings.

“As the business continues to grow and establish itself within the community, guests have expressed demand for additional food and beverage options on the site,” Axe House Chilliwack wrote. “Axe House hosts a wide variety of group events for families including birthday parties, corporate team-building sessions and other functions.”

The business is owned by Brady Douglas, a businessman and longstanding member of the Chilliwack community.

Three MLAs are supporting a B.C. farming family whose 400 ostriches are to be culled

13h ago

Downtown Chilliwack café

Downtown Chilliwack café to hold soft opening Friday

14h ago

Grey whale washes ashore near Tofino, B.C. Cause of death unknown

14h ago

Leggatt wrote in her report that the business had initially requested liquor license hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in its initial application. However, due to a bylaw governing ancillary liquor sales that only permits liquor sales up to 10 p.m., the applicant has since revised its liquor license operating hours request from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday, seven days a week.

“Axe House is aware of the surrounding community, and does not wish to impact those who live and work around Axe House,” Axe House wrote in a letter to the Liquor Cannabis Regulation Branch. “They have elected to propose shortened liquor service hours to ensure no disruption. Additionally, they believe liquor will be very much an ancillary item. Guests who visit the site are at the property for the focus of axe/knife throwing. Axe House is simply seeking this added amenity to enhance the environment.”

Axe House Chilliwack offers what it calls “Axe Hangry” food consisting of chicken tenders and fries, deep fried pickles, Dougie’s wings (1 pound), dry ribs, cheesy mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, hot dogs, fries, tater tots, popcorn, chips, soda, energy drinks and water.

Image: Axe House Chilliwack via City of Chilliwack / Just a sample of some of the food offerings at Axe House Chilliwack at 8950 Young Road.

The application was referred to various city departments for review, including development and regulatory enforcement, engineering and planning, Chilliwack Fire Department and Chilliwack RCMP. There were no stated concerns from bylaw, engineering, RCMP, or the fire department. The planning department asked that the applicant modify the requested liquor license serving hours from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. The planning department also noted that the integration of liquor service at the business would not adversely lead to an increase in noise, traffic or parking.

In accordance with a city bylaw pertaining to public hearings and public information meeting procedures, council can opt out of commenting, or provide comment as to whether to recommend approval of the application, and call a public information meeting to hear public feedback on February 6.

In conjunction with the application, a $2,200 application fee is to be paid to the Liquor and Cannabis Branch of the provincial government, followed by a $2,200 first-year licensing fee to be administered when the license is issued.