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Council grants open-container waiver for Pop Up Avenue events with conditions
Summary
Council authorized street closures and an open-container waiver for Pop Up Avenue events on specified dates, subject to insurance, server certification and compliance with code.
State College Borough Council voted March 17 to approve road closures and an open-container waiver for the Pop Up Avenue events, scheduled on South Allen Street between Beaver Avenue and Foster Avenue on May 3 and in September, contingent on several conditions.
Staff summarized the requirements for an open-container waiver under the borough’s Special Events Ordinance. The ordinance requires that the event be sponsored or co-sponsored by the Downtown State College Improvement District and occur within the downtown boundaries established in Chapter 10 of the borough code. Staff recommended approval conditioned on: certificates of servers (GRAMA certificates) by April 18, Downtown State College Improvement District named as an additional insured on general and liquor liability policies with at least $1,000,000 per-occurrence limits on a primary, non‑contributory basis, and execution of an indemnification agreement.
Council member Herndon raised the question of reusable containers for future events; staff noted the current ordinance requires metal containers but does not mandate reusable containers. Council approved the time-and-place designation, suspension of certain activities as allowed by the ordinance, and the open-container waiver by voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.
Why it matters: the decision permits street closures and alcohol service in a downtown public space for commercial and community events while attaching insurance and server-training conditions meant to limit liability and ensure regulation.
