Sailor Hagar's facing sale as North Vancouver pubs struggle

Sailor Hagar's pub, a Lower Lonsdale fixture for more than 40 years, is facing an uncertain future after its commercial unit was listed for sale at $4.39 million.

Owner Yvan Charette says sales have been steady with live music, bingo, trivia, and sporting events on TV. Friday and Saturday nights draw packed crowds "like a house party," and staff have been working to expand the lunch menu. But at the listing price, Charette said the space will not be viable for any hospitality business.

"I guarantee you're not going to have a restaurant group buy it," Charette said. "I don't see us going anywhere. However, it'll be interesting to see who buys it."

The listing signals a broader crisis in North Vancouver's hospitality sector. Burgoo and Raglans' spaces are now closed. Browns Social House's unit at Second and Lonsdale is also listed, though the parent company is still negotiating with the landlord. Pemberton Station Pub is closing June 28.

Charette, who is also president of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees, said rising labour, food, and energy costs are part of the problem. But the real threat is government regulations and taxation passed on by commercial landlords. "The triple net shared costs of paying your taxes will eventually outpace what we can afford to pay," he said. "It's not that they don't have sales. They're in the same boat as me. We can no longer afford to do business in North Vancouver."

The North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce has raised the alarm with growing urgency. "We're increasingly concerned about the cost pressures facing businesses on the North Shore," chamber president Patrick Stafford-Smith said. "Rising municipal taxes, the BC Assessment valuation process, and triple net lease structures are creating a challenging environment that puts even long-standing establishments at risk."