 |
||
Liquor Licenses In Wilkinsburg“Do you favor the granting of liquor licenses for the sale of liquor in the Borough of Wilkinsburg?” On May 19, 2015, Wilkinsburg voted to lift the ban on liquor licenses in the borough! Thank you to our volunteers, local businesses, and voters for supporting our efforts to legalize liquor licenses for restaurants in the Borough of Wilkinsburg. Lifting the ban means that Wilkinsburg will be eligible for up to five liquor licenses at establishments that meet state and local requirements. We will provide updates on any incoming liquor license applications as we want to make sure the community is involved every step of the way! In the meantime, you can learn more about liquor licenses in Wilkinsburg by visiting our FAQ page.
Wilkinsburg had been dry since 1870. After federal prohibition was repealed in 1933, Pennsylvania law made liquor sales a local option. The residents of Wilkinsburg voted 7,657 to 4,610 to outlaw the sale of liquor licenses in the Borough, and Wilkinsburg remained dry until the municipal primary on May 19, 2015, when voters voted 1,164 to 766 to lift the ban. The WCDC Board of Directors voted to pursue a liquor license referendum, which was supported in the Business District Revitalization Plan (BDRP) and adopted by the Borough Council in June 2010. The Board believes restaurant liquor licenses can attract new businesses to Wilkinsburg and increase investment in the area providing the opportunity to increase the economic vitality of the commercial corridor. The discussion to seek a ballot referendum to allow for liquor licensing is not new; a search of local press coverage shows that the issue was covered as far back as 1985 and has been in the newspapers nearly every two years since 2001. Allowing liquor licenses at a limited number of eating establishments is one objective outlined in the BDRP to help the Borough improve the economic vitality of the business district. This is just one of many objectives and tools currently underway to attract and support new businesses and private development. Several key market considerations of the BDRP, which would support the liquor license option include: Balance is critical – A business district should include a balanced mix of uses that includes retail, services, dining, entertainment, and offices. Nightlife – It is important to remember that a business district has both day and night life. A mix of businesses and the hours of operation should support both. The 10-10-10 Rule – A vibrant urban center typically has 10 establishments that provide food, 10 establishments where people can shop, and 10 establishments that stay open after 6 p.m. |
The WCDC’s Strategic Plan Supports Liquor LicensesThe WCDC and community members created a Strategic Plan for 2012-2017. The second goal, “Demonstrate Civic Leadership Advocating for Community Change”, consists of the following sub-goals:
Urban Partners Market Study of Wilkinsburg Supports Liquor LicensesIn the Urban Partners market study of Wilkinsburg, this group of consultants observes: “Full-service sit-down restaurants are also in short supply in the Wilkinsburg business district. A major contributing factor is the prohibition of alcohol in restaurants in the Borough, which is typically a significant revenue generator for restaurants. As a result, prospective restaurateurs interested in opening new venues are avoiding Wilkinsburg, which is keeping the demand for finer dining high and the supply relatively low.” Have more questions? Check out the FAQ!Want to help collect signatures? Email marlee@wilkinsburgcdc.org or call (412) 727-7855. For detailed information, check out this document from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Want to share your ideas? Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and tell us your thoughts!
|
|
|
||||||||||
