A downtown bar soon will be allowed to have a drinking and smoking area on the city’s sidewalk.

Commissioners unanimously approved a request for the Eighth Street Taproom, 801 N.H., to install a sidewalk seating area to accommodate customers who want to drink and smoke outside.

Commissioners last year changed the city’s long-standing sidewalk rules to allow some existing bars the option to expand out onto the sidewalks.

Previously, only restaurants were allowed to have sidewalk seating areas.