PARIS – A new sports bar proposed for Market Square has come one step closer to opening night with a change-of-use approval from the Paris Planning Board.

The board voted 4-0 Tuesday to approve the conversion of 22 Market Square from a gym into a bar that will be known as Playmaker’s Lounge.

Planning Board members Russ Case, John Barlow, Trudy Hamilton and Nancy Holden voted for the change of use, with the stipulation that owners Jamie and James McClendon restrict the bar to the first floor of the building.

The application was for use of the first floor only, but Case said he remembered discussing the use of both floors during a previous meeting.

“The last time we talked to you, you said that you could have 175 patrons,” Case also noted.

Jamie McClendon said that at the time, he was unsure of the capacity the state would approve. He said the bar will be approved for 50 people. He also assured the board he would return for approval of any plans to expand the bar.

While seeking approval for a liquor and entertainment license earlier this year, the McClendon brothers had to go before the selectmen three times. At a June 22 meeting, some residents said they did not want two bars in Market Square.

The Smilin’ Moose Publyk House and Tavern, proposed by Dan and Kathleen DeLuca of Paris, is planned nearby at 10 Market Square. The Planning Board on Tuesday approved a site plan for bar.

Two residents commented on the Playmaker’s Lounge plans Tuesday.

Scott Gilbert, brother of Mark Gilbert, who is leasing the McClendon brothers the space at 22 Market Square, said his business will be adversely affected by the sports bar. When an establishment known as Pete’s Pool Hall was at the same location years ago, he said, people often took parking spaces in his Market Square Restaurant lot.

“The problem is,” Gilbert said, “I don’t even have enough spaces for me.” He also warned of rowdy patrons of the former bar.

“I don’t think we can hold these people responsible for what a previous occupant of the building did,” resident Barbara Payne said.

Case pointed out that Gilbert may address the selectmen when the bar’s liquor license comes up for renewal each year if there are problems.

The Planning Board also voted 4-0 to approve a site plan for the Town Farm Trading Post, a sporting goods and antique store proposed for Route 46.