(CORRECTS EARLIER VERSION OF STORY)

Rio Tinto Alcan's application for a liquor license is causing a stir in Kitimat.

The primary liquor license R-T-A is seeking from the B-C Liquor Control Board has local pub owners concerned the smelter modernization project workers won't be spending money at their establishments.

But R-T-A spokeperson Colleen Nyce says "the option of leaving the camp to go to a local establishment is always an option open to the residents of the KMP Construction Village. Having a liquor license at the camp will in no way impede this."

Kitimat Council has decided to leave the matter in the hands of the BC Liquor Control Board, and will not hold a public consulation process on the issue.

R-T-A administrators previously input a food primary license for their work camp, but were concerned that serving liquor only in the dining area would restrict camp residents to consuming their beverages only during kitchen service times, and without the additional recreational benefits of TV and social gatherings.