NESHANNOCK TOWNSHIP Voters to decide on granting of liquor licenses

The township has one state store and a beer distributor, but no bars or taverns.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Have times and attitudes changed in Neshannock Township?
The ballots will soon tell when area voters decide whether they want Neshannock to go from "dry" to "wet."
During the May 15 primary, voters will be asked to answer yes or no to the question: "Do you favor the granting of liquor licenses for the sale of liquor in Neshannock Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania?"
In favor: Lindy Lauro, who owns the Crane Room Grille on Wilmington Road, hopes voters will respond with an overwhelming "yes."
"I think restaurants and establishments in Neshannock should have the option of whether or not to sell alcohol," she said. "And customers should have the option of whether or not they would like a drink with their meal. They should have a choice. I think a full-service restaurant provides the option and I think restaurants in this community should be able to provide full service to their customers."
A community is considered "wet" unless a municipality votes it dry by referendum.
In 1934, voters in Neshannock decided state stores and beer distributors, but not restaurants, could sell alcohol.
In 1989 and 1993, New Castle Country Club promoters had referendums placed on ballots to allow the country club to obtain a liquor license, but both measures were defeated.
To change Neshannock's "dry" status, a new question had to be written and proponents had to gather signatures of at least 944 registered voters. Lauro, who spearheaded the effort, and other referendum proponents collected 1,504 signatures. All three township supervisors are among township residents who agree the question should be asked.
Voters' choice: "It's up to voters," said Gale Measel, supervisor chairman. "I think township residents should have a chance to decide. They should have a choice, so let them vote on it and they'll make their decision.
"Personally, I see nothing wrong with it."
He added that Neshannock has a state store and beer distributor, but no bars or taverns.
If the referendum passes, additional liquor licenses won't be issued, but proprietors must buy a license from someone, within Lawrence County, who already owns it, he noted.
In February, a new state law went into effect that allows one liquor license per 3,000 residents in each county.
The previous statute permitted one liquor license per 3,000 residents in a municipality.
Liquor licenses can be bought and sold anywhere within the county, except in the county's dry municipalities.
If a tavern goes out of business, the owner can sell it or pay a fee to keep it.