West Side residents may soon have a place to enjoy beer, wine, or spirits in a beloved and historic culture-friendly venue.

Today, Vancouver city council voted in favor of the chief licence inspector's recommendation to endorse an application to sell liquor at the old Hollywood Theatre at 3123 West Broadway.

Hollywood Theatres Ltd. still needs provincial government approval for the licence at the venue, which will have a capacity of 594 people.

The company's principal director is Dino Bonnis.

According to a city staff report, liquor service would only be allowed in conjunction with pre-booked events from 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

It's conditional on the company signing a good neighbour agreement with the city committing to making the venue available to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and for cultural purposes.

"The multidimensional programming proposed in this revitalized space will include independent film screenings, musical performances from a wide spectrum of music genres, fine art performances, live theatre, comedy, film screenings including premieres, festival events, educational events, technical seminars and lectures, as well as providing room availability and access for events dedicated to fundraising, building strength-in-community events, trade symposiums, non-profit organizations, all-ages and free events," a city staff report states.

The reopening of the Hollywood Theatre will bring more people to this section of West Broadway, likely helping several local restaurants in the area.

The theatre was built in 1935 and was one of the longest-lasting single-screen theatres in Western Canada. It closed in 2013. Following a campaign to save it, the Hollywood Theatre was designated as a heritage building in 2018.

The application is for a liquor primary licence, but Hollywood Theatres Ltd. also plans to serve food on the premises.