After about an hour-long presentation at its meeting last night, the State College Borough Council discussed the possibility of bringing another liquor license into the downtown area.

Rotelli, a chain restaurant with current locations in Pittsburgh, will move to 250 Calder Way, promoting the idea of a family-friendly environment in the middle of a college town.

Michael T. Hughes, Rotelli's co-owner, requested a liquor license to "provide a compliment" to the food on the menu, which State College Borough Council member Jeff Kern compared to Faccia Luna Pizzeria, 1229 S. Atherton St.

Hughes said Rotelli is an establishment for families, as well as a place to eat and "have a glass of wine or a martini" downtown as an answer to the college bar scene.

Council members raised concerns and questions for Hughes about allowing another liquor license into the already flooded downtown bar scene, which will be discussed at a council work session Monday.

Kern explained that in the '60s, State College was a dry town.

Liquor licenses have been renewed and owners of existing licenses can open new establishments without applying for new licenses.

"We've never approved a new liquor license," Kern said of the Council. "We don't want it to turn into a bar."

Council member Elizabeth Goreham said the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) and the council will attempt to keep the restaurant from turning into a bar by keeping restrictions tight.

"It's important we don't add to the problems," she said.

Borough manager Tom Fountaine said that as part of the tighter restrictions, the PLCB will require Rotelli's sales to be 80 percent food and only 20 percent alcohol, as well as having no live entertainment.

Fountaine said the establishment would also not be allowed to sell alcohol from midnight to 10 a.m., and the kitchen must be kept open as long as alcohol is being sold.

State College Police Chief Tom King said the most alcohol-related activity takes place between midnight and 3 a.m. in the downtown area. He added that there should not be any alcohol-related problems as long as Hughes agrees to the conditions.

"If [the] conditions recommended are adopted as part of the liquor license, business could function without any significant problems," he said.

During the meeting, Kern said he was concerned because Bill Pickle's Tap Room, 106 S. Allen St., was advertised an "upscale" bar scene but became another downtown college bar on the weekend.

"It was drunken students all Saturday night," he said. "Kids have credit cards. After two to three $3 beers, who cares?"

Fountaine said the council would be strict about the restrictions, but will discuss the issue further next week.

"They understand Rotelli's is a family restaurant," he said. "They'll work with them."