State issues conditional liquor license and strict conditions to Rose Bar; borough solicitor says order imposes extensive requirements

Borough solicitor John McLean reported that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and the owner of the Rose Bar negotiated a conditional license after the borough participated in the license renewal hearing.

McLean said the conditional license is not a full license but allows the restaurant to operate under strict conditions through Dec. 1, 2027, the next renewal cycle. He summarized key conditions: mandatory training for employees and managers; closing by 1 a.m.; installation of a security and surveillance system with a minimum of 18 cameras overall and at least 12 inside the premises; at least one certified security person on duty; use of a metal detector at the entrance; scanning or checking identification for every patron on entry (including re-scanning patrons who step outside and return); and maintaining a written bar patrons list available for law-enforcement inspection.

McLean said any breach of the conditional order could be cause for nonrenewal. He described the conditions as "more [than] I've ever heard of for a bar to operate," and praised the mayor and police for enforcement efforts that led to the outcome.

Council members asked practical questions about the ID scanners and their ability to detect fake IDs; McLean said such scanners use embedded codes and "it's very difficult to, to fake." A council member raised whether the bar "has calmed down"; McLean answered in the affirmative.

No changes to borough code were announced at the caucus meeting, and no formal municipal action was required; the conditional license is a state-issued order overseen by the LCB.

Ending

Council received the solicitor's report and copies of the conditional order were available on request.