CCTV footage shows Shane Wilson, 38 and of no fixed abode, set fire to wicker chairs on the balcony of the BIC in August last year.
He watched the blaze engulf the building for around 10 minutes before witnesses ran to the scene.
The fire caused around £53,000 of damage.
Wilson pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
He was jailed for two years and two months.