Adding another layer of conflict to a simmering liquor license debate, the State College Borough Council voted 4-3 Monday to urge the State Theatre not to apply for a license that would allow it to serve alcohol at select performances.
In the letter, the council "urges the board of directors of the State Theatre to set an example for alcohol-free entertainment by declining to apply for a performing arts liquor license."
The State Theatre's Board of Directors is expected to meet today and deliberate the venue's next course of action.
If granted by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the State Theatre's performing arts liquor license would allow it to serve beer, wine and liquor at select performances. Liquor, to be served two hours prior to the show and up to one hour after, could be carried into the theater by over-21 patrons.
The letter's supporters said allowing the State Theatre to serve alcohol would undermine efforts to encourage alcohol-free entertainment in downtown State College.
"This is a terrible idea in a town where we have a problem with dangerous drinking," said Ronald Filippelli, the council member who drafted the letter. "I think the State Theatre ought to be taking a position as an example in the community that we can have an alcohol-free venue."
Council Member Theresa Lafer said allowing liquor to be served at State Theatre performances goes against the wishes of the venue's early supporters.
"It's a slap in the face of everyone ... who put time and effort into raising the funds [for the State Theatre]," she said.
Those who opposed the measure cited a lack of evidence that the venue would encourage an increase in irresponsible drinking.
Council Member Peter Morris said he didn't think the license would contribute to the drinking problem downtown.
"I can't imagine a bunch of students who want to get drunk on a given night doing it by buying theater tickets and hanging around the lobby of the State Theatre," he said. "I just don't see it."
Mayor Bill Welch, who didn't vote on the measure but supports the idea of the liquor license, said he didn't think it raises any of the red flags he associates with dangerous drinking.
Council members Lafer, Filippelli, James Rosenberger and Elizabeth Goreham supported the measure. Council members Morris, Silvi Lawrence, and Donald Hahn voted against the proposal.
The council also voted unanimously to approve extending wireless access to the Central Parklet at a one-time cost of $4,500. The wireless network should be up and running by the spring, Borough Manager Tom Fountaine said.
