The State College Borough Council Debates Approval of New Restaurant Liquor License
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The State College Borough Council discussed a liquor license transfer from outside of the borough to inside the borough at Monday’s council meeting.
PSU Bagel, currently doing business as Figo Italian, is requesting the transfer for a restaurant at 330 College Avenue, units 2-3. The request is for a “Pennsylvania ‘R’ or ‘restaurant’ liquor license,” according to the council meeting agenda packet.
The company plans to purchase a restaurant license from Luna 2 in College Township.
A Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board law allows for license transfer from inside the same county, with approval from the borough.
Borough Solicitor Terry Williams discussed the consequences of adding another liquor dispenser near Penn State.
“The transfer of a retail liquor license without any conditions could adversely affect the welfare, health, peace and morals of the Borough of State College or its residents,” Williams said.
The liquor license will only be approved under staff recommended conditions.
Williams presented these conditions in a PowerPoint — “no further expansion of the license” or transfer without approval, the company cannot transfer the license, alcoholic drinks can’t exceed 22 ounces, prohibit drink specials and advertisement, and prohibit alcohol sales “when food sales are not available.”
Mark Kozar, a representative of the establishment via third party Flaherty and O’Hara Professional Corporation, argued that the restaurant was “upscale” and not for students.
Kozar said the current rule for serving alcohol is to card the buyer if they look under 35 years old. He also said the establishment will use ID scanners to certify the buyers age and ID.
A member of the council proposed a 70-30 rule for the restaurant’s alcohol sales. This would require the restaurant to meet an average of 70% of food sales to 30% alcohol sales.
According to Kozar, other Figo Italian restaurants in Philadelphia have an average of 60% food sales to 40% alcohol sales. This condition is under consideration of the borough and the restaurant.
Despite Kozar’s arguments, all three community members who were present at the meeting argued another liquor license shouldn’t be brought into the borough.
The council will continue its discussion on April 10 at noon before giving its final decision at the May 1 council meeting.
Alison Patton is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email axp5935@psu.edu.
