NEW WILMINGTON, PA. College kids want to sit at the bar, but the townies won't stand for it

Many believe bringing alcohol to the borough won't be a change for the better.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- Hey, we got trouble, right here in New Wilmington borough -- with a capital T and that rhymes with B and that stands for booze.
The line borrowed from "The Music Man" sums up the feeling of many New Wilmington residents, who don't want to see alcohol sales allowed in their quaint, quiet town.
Dan McSparren doesn't drink anymore but isn't critical of people who do. Still, he worries that allowing liquor sales in New Wilmington will tarnish some of the borough's small-town charm.
McSparren is not alone. Most residents visiting downtown shops in New Wilmington on a recent warm, sunny afternoon feel the same way.
"I've been here nine months, and I like it here," he said. "I respect people's right to drink, and I think most people who drink around here do it quietly in their homes.
"I don't think people want alcohol here," he continued. "If it comes, I hope it will be to a place that also serves good food."
"I don't know what the draw would be when the students aren't here," said longtime New Wilmington resident Linda Johnston. "I don't think it's needed, and I don't think the residents want it. If there was a need for alcohol sales here, the permanent residents would rally around that effort."
Student's effort
It was Krissy Edmonds, a Westminster College senior from Irwin, Pa., who spearheaded efforts to get a liquor referendum on the May 20 ballot. If passed, there would be one new liquor license available in the borough.
Edmonds said it would be not only convenient, but safer for Westminster students of legal drinking age to be able to buy beer and other alcoholic beverages in the borough rather than driving to New Castle or other nearby towns.
Edmonds played soccer for Westminster and said that when her parents came to town for games, they would have to leave New Wilmington for an after-game meal and drinks.
She said that not having alcohol available in the borough increases the chances that Westminster students and others will drink and drive.
Erick Pabis, a Westminster senior from Monessen, Pa., said though the primary election in Lawrence County won't take place until after Westminster graduation, many seniors plan to either stay in the area or return to vote for the liquor request. He believes the students' votes could have an impact, because while Edmonds and her friends were gathering signatures required to get the request on the ballot, they were also registering students to vote.
Pabis said opponents' argument that students can drink in the fraternity houses and don't need a bar or restaurant with a liquor license in town don't understand fraternities.
"People don't realize how strict the fraternities are," he said. "I got kicked out of one. You're allowed one six-pack of beer at a time, and if you aren't 21, you're not going to drink there at all."
College policy
John Lechner, Westminster College assistant dean of students, said alcohol use is prohibited on campus. Fraternity houses allow alcohol consumption, but they are off campus and alcohol use is strictly regulated, he said.
"Fraternities have a 100 percent ID check at the door, and have a wristband system," he said. "You aren't going to drink if you don't have a wristband. To get a wristband, you have proper ID to prove you are 21 or over."
Lechner said the college has a security officer who does random roving checks of fraternity parties to ensure policies are being followed.
He said violations of the college's alcohol policy -- or violations of any other school policy -- are handled on a case-by-case basis. "The college always reserves the right to take administrative action if it is appropriate," he said.
Restaurant owner's stance
Sandy Aquaro, owner for seven years of The Tavern on the Square, a restaurant in New Wilmington, said she's neither for nor against the liquor issue, but thinks the debate has been blown out of proportion.
She said patrons of her restaurant can bring in their own wine, but she would like to serve fine wines if a liquor license were available.
She said she lives in Neshannock Township, where voters recently passed a liquor referendum. There haven't been any major problems as a result of the restaurant's new license, she said.
New Wilmington Mayor Wendell Wagner said he doesn't believe the issue will pass, and "I don't think it's any secret that I'm against it."
He said there would be one liquor license available in the borough. Anyone seeking to transfer an existing license into the borough could not do so without the support of council.
"If it passes, [it's] guaranteed the liquor laws will be enforced to the letter," Wagner said.
New Wilmington Police Chief Carmen Piccirillo said DUI, public drunkenness and underage drinking are already problems in the borough, as are related offenses such as criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
"I don't see any way that having a liquor or wine or beer license in the borough would make that any better," Piccirillo said.
Hopes it stays dry
Jen Petures, a Westminster senior from Monaca, Pa., said that though she will graduate soon, she hopes the borough will remain the way it is.
"I love New Wilmington because it is dry," she said. "I think that is what keeps people coming back."
Edie Cade of nearby Eastbrook said she doesn't mind progress, but doesn't want to see New Wilmington change. The borough is much the same as it was years ago when she dated a boy from New Wilmington. "It's a quaint town with the Amish here, and being dry makes it unique," she said.