The Executive Director of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association says it appears that a bar scene is emerging in the heart of the city.

Howie Reimer was referring to an application from the Tumbleweed Lounge at the Plaza Hotel to become a full-time bar as well as new liquor licence application from the owners of the Stills House Distillery who are hoping to open up a new lounge in the Hive building

Both applications were approved by city council last week, though the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch will need to rubber stamp both applications.

“Young adults and older adults, I have a tough time staying awake past 10 o’clock so I’m not doing a lot of late night dancing anymore but for younger adults who still want to get out and do that, this is something which I think is very exciting,” Reimer said.

“It really does feel like a bar scene is emerging right in the heart of downtown Kamloops. Yes, we need to be responsible but yes let’s have some fun as well as grow our nightlife.”

And with a number of other bars and nightclubs in close proximity in downtown Kamloops, Reimer says the market will eventually determine how many such establishments are too many.

“I’m sure that these business owners have done their due diligence and they see the densification but ultimately the market will decide,” he said. “At this point, I think its a need and the people of Kamloops are calling for it.”

Speaking on the NL Noon Report, Reimer also noted that while there will be concerns from residents about things like noise, he also believes times – and society at large – have changed.