Central City Brewers + Distillers is a step closer to its plan to change its Vancouver restaurant into a pub.

City council voted unanimously Wednesday (March 9) to endorse the company’s application with the province’s Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to convert Red Racer Kitchen at 871 Beatty Street into a liquor establishment.

Central City has also applied with the province to set up a brewery at the Yaletown location. To be able to sell beer in growlers, it needs a liquor primary licence.

According to a staff report that recommended council’s support, 61 responses were received by the city from the neighbourhood regarding the proposed pub. Forty-four were opposed, and 17 supported the plan.

Councillor Heather Deal moved the motion for a council resolution supporting Central City’s application. Deal was seconded by councillor Adriane Carr.

Deal took exception to some of the comments made in council by John Cassidy, a resident who lives next door to the Red Racer Kitchen.

Cassidy said that the staff report was “tailored” to suit the application, which Deal took exception. According to the councillor, staff are “neutral” on matters that come to city hall.

Cassidy said that it was “cheeky” for operators of the establishment to want to change the restaurant into a pub just months after it opened as a food establishment.

Central City also applied with the province for a family food service endorsement. This will allow minors in the planned liquor establishment until 10 p.m. if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian for family meal service.

Josh Bentley, director of operations with Central City, told council that his company is working with strata councils in the neighbourhood to address their concerns.

Red Racer Kitchen started operating in July 2015. The place has a 188-seat restaurant, and a 15-person lounge. It is open daily. Current hours of liquor service are from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight.

As a pub, the establishment will accommodate 199 patrons. For the first year, its hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. After the first year, it can apply for extended hours, from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.