Sunset Lanes could be a little more active in future, thanks to a move this week by members of Parksville city council.
Council supported Sunset Lanes' application to the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) to increase the facility's indoor occupancy from 15 to 30 people.
The permanent change is meant to reconcile the license with the physical seating arrangement, explained director of community planning Blaine Russell.
The staff report points out that since the proposal involves an indoor change and the surrounding properties are all commercial, the potential for generating noise complaints or other negative impacts is considered to be fairly minimal.
Although the indoor portion of the facility will expand its occupancy, the patio will keep the 20 person occupancy it currently holds.
The approval came after the city notified neighbours and advertised the application and didn't receive any responses.
The staff report noted the city doesn't have to comment on LCLB applications but opting out requires a council resolution and taking such a step would deny the city any influence which would likely result in the LCLB undertaking its own public consultation.
"There's nothing here too profound as far as I'm concerned," said mayor Chris Burger, who referred to the move as a sort of housekeeping item on the part of the municipality.