Members of the State College Borough Council have voiced opposition to the planned February opening of an underage downtown club, citing security and alcohol as their primary concerns.

Frost Nightclub and Lounge, an under-21 venue, will be an alcohol-free environment during normal hours, but will allow groups to provide their own alcohol when renting the club for private parties, Mak McKeehan, co-owner of Frost, said.

This policy, as well as other security concerns, are a few reasons State College Borough Council members say they still have reservations about the nightclub, set to open at 459 E. Calder Way.

Borough Council President Cathy Dauler said she is worried about broadening the downtown alcohol environment.

"I can only think of two words to say -- more alcohol," Dauler said. "It's discouraging, and I personally have some reluctance in applauding the plan."

McKeehan said the club is planning on enforcing time and alcohol limitations for third-party events.

The time limit for rented events will be a three-hour maximum.

Alcohol will be limited to beer only, which group members must provide, McKeehan said.

McKeehan said security will be provided for evenings when the club is rented.

"Our security will be fully enforced at all events, and they will ID," he said.

A wristband system will be put in place to identify those who are older than 21, McKeehan said.

Though Borough Council member Tom Daubert said he is not sure how successful the club will become, he said the venue might offer a safe option for entertainment.

"I don't see how they are going to make any money selling Pepsi," Daubert said."I think it's a great idea worth trying, with the success they have had at [Late Night Penn State], maybe it will give kids another option," he said.

State College Police Chief Tom King, borough manager Tom Fountaine and club representatives have met to discuss safety precautions, Fountaine said.

"The chief of police and I met with [Frost Nightclub] owners and their head of security and we talked about the club and how they were approaching the situation," Fountaine said.

"They are talking about having a lot of security, and it is a comfort to those in the borough," he said.

Dauler said others are troubled by the addition of alcohol downtown.

"I can't be overjoyed at the prospect of more alcohol in downtown, and I think other members of council have similar qualms," she said.

At other universities, many students rent off-campus houses to hold unsupervised parties, council member Elizabeth Goreham said.

"My concern is that people will rent [the nightclub] for outrageous parties, but we have to deal with that when it happens," she said.

However, the rental space will provide another option for fraternities and sororities and help reduce neighborhood noise violations, Goreham said.

Increasing safety and reducing liability has been a priority in the greek community. Last semester, the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council instituted an official social policy for the Penn State greek community, banning parties open to the public.

Borough members hope the club will provide an alcohol-free option for students.

"I think if people are not drinking, there is no problem at all," Goreham said. "We will just have to see if it works."