The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch has given approval in principle to a liquor primary licence for Players Sports Lounge in Masset, spokesperson Cindy Stephenson says.
"They've got the go-ahead to develop plans," she said. Once those plans are drawn up, they must be approved. After that, the branch will issue the liquor licence, she said.
Players is located above the Seabreeze Restaurant on Main Street, and its application generated a lot of public interest, both in favour and opposed.
The branch is still considering an application for a martini bar in Queen Charlotte and will probably make a decision in the next couple of weeks, Ms Stephenson said.