Downtown Prince George is looking a little bit dry when it comes to finding a place for a pint but some local business owners are hoping to change that.

The number of places to grab a drink in the downtown area has steadily decreased since 1990. At that time there were over 5,000 seats available, but the closure of several large hotels and nightclubs has meant there are now only half the number of seats.

Liquor-primary licenses are issued when the primary purpose is the service of liquor, hospitality or entertainment, which is what Troy McKenzie wants for his establishment, the Black Clover.

McKenzie is asking city council to rezone his restaurant so he can install pool tables and a dart board.

Under the current liquor rules, games that distract from the purpose of eating food are only allowed in establishments that have liquor-primary licenses.

"We're always going to be pretty food-centric, but it allows us to put up pool tables, dart boards, make it a little more of a social occasion," said McKenzie, who calls the current rules "archaic".

The owners of CrossRoads Brewing also want their restaurant to be re-zoned so they can open an outdoor patio and lounge.

City staff recommend supporting the changes, in order to help diversify the downtown economy.

Council will have their first vote on the issue Monday night, followed by a public hearing Sept. 12.