Just two days after a Centre County judge upheld the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's decision not to renew the liquor license for three Pugh Street bars, he halted his original decision, allowing the bars to serve alcohol until further action is taken, an attorney representing the owner of the establishments said.

The establishments -- Lulu's Nightspot, 129 1/2 S. Pugh St.; Tony's Big Easy, 129 S. Pugh St.; and the Candy Bar & Lounge, 129 S. Pugh St -- owned by Anthony Sapia, owner of Sanmark, Inc., have been plagued with a history of violations and were the site of a murder in 2006, Centre County District Judge David Grine wrote in his original order.

Sapia's Attorney, Francis X. O'Brien, said a lot of perishable food had been purchased and if the establishments were shut down, employees would lose wages.

"It's a big restaurant and bar, and for them, they would not be able to survive if they were operating as an unlicensed restaurant," he said.

Francesca Chapman, deputy press secretary for the PLCB, said Wednesday's order from Judge David Grine does give Sammark the authority to sell alcohol while its appeal is being processed. Chapman offered no further comment about the Dec. 31 decision.

O'Brien said a hearing will be held Tuesday, Jan. 6 to discuss the matter further.