Cigar shop wants to sell liquor

‘Would you like rum with that Cuban cigar?’ Such questions would be in the offing at a downtown Kelowna cigar store if it obtains a liquor licence.

Cubanos has been in business inside The District mall at 565 Bernard Ave since 2020. The only beverage it currently serves is coffee, but it has applied to the provincial government for a liquor primary licence.

“My intent is to sell only high-end scotch, cognac, etc. There will not be any beer sales, only limited to select liquors to pair up with cigars,” Cubanos owner Chico Bhuga writes in a letter to the City of Kelowna.

In recent years, the government has modified liquor laws to allow businesses such as hair salons, barbers, bookshops, and art galleries to serve alcohol.

City council is expected to endorse Bhuga’s application for a liquor licence at a meeting Oct. 6 but the final decision is up to provincial officials.

Cubanos also sells hats and clothes.