A concert stage, modified from a pickup truck that has been a staple for Jack Tucker’s Bar & Grill in Quinte West, is staying put.
Quinte West City Council voted in favour of an exemption to a by-law violation order that deemed the truck-turned-stage to be a “derelict vehicle.”
The order stemmed from a complaint sent to the city regarding a by-law regarding the vehicle.
Co-owner of Jack Tucker’s Bar & Grill, Alex Topitsch, says the stage is a big part of the community and an important part of his business.
“We’re all about community. We’re all about having fun, having a safe place for people to come enjoy some entertainment, some food, some live music. That’s what we’re all about,” Topitsch told council during delegations.
“The truck has been there for about three years. It’s built into the patio. It has stairs going up into it. We have live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights there. It’s a great part of the community and honestly, it’s a great part of my business.”
Topitsch says that many up and coming artists from the Quinte region and beyond use the stage with a full list of artists set for the summer.
Co-owner of Jack Tucker’s Bar & Grill, Alex Topitsch, presenting why the truck stage at the restaurant should receive an exemption from a violation order. August 9, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
When word of the violation order came, the restaurant started a petition to keep the truck stage.
As of an hour before the delegations, the restaurant received over 1,000 signatures in support.
“We are here today because there was one complaint,” Topitsch said.
“All of our immediate neighbours love the music, love the venue. A couple of them actually come and play on the truck. All of them eat at our restaurant, but apparently there was one complaint but we have 1,000 other signatures saying how much they love it.”
Topitsch wrapped up his presentation outlining future plans to have the truck painted by local artist Carolyn Weller. The truck would be decorated to pay homage to “the essence of Quinte West and the live music scene in the surrounding area.”
In a recorded vote, all but one councillor voted in favour of an exemption to the by-law violation order.
Only Councillor Don Kuntze voted in opposition to the motion.
During discussions with councillors, Kuntze expressed that he would have rather seen an alternative option on the table and also expressed a fear of precedence being used in the future for other by-law complaints.
The motion that was passed was written to address that the exemption was for that specific instance and not for the general by-law.
In an update to its Change.org petition, the restaurant stated, “the party starts now!”
Responses from a petition to Jack Tucker’s Bar & Grill regarding the truck stage. August 9, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
