UPDATE: The Wilkes-Barre City Council will vote on a critical liquor license transfer for the Keystone Arts Center this Thursday at 6 p.m. Local officials and residents are raising concerns about the potential transformation of the venue, located at 345 N. Pennsylvania Ave., into a bar or dance club.
During a tense public hearing earlier this week, council members and community resident Karen Giles grilled owner Brad Wells and his attorney, Frank Hoegen, about the implications of transferring a liquor license from the now-closed Alexis Tavern in Hanover Township. Wells emphasized that the arts center has functioned as a community venue, primarily hosting special events with licensed caterers providing alcohol.
Hoegen argued that the arts center has operated successfully without disturbances, but council members expressed skepticism. Councilman Mike Belusko questioned how the council could ensure that the arts center would not devolve into a nightclub. Wells reassured the council that a restaurant component would be necessary under the liquor license, stating, “We’ve been using caterers, but we’ve been operating at mostly a break-even or loss for some events.”
As the discussions intensified, Councilwoman Jessica McClay raised alarms over potential zoning violations and operating hour discrepancies, citing evidence of events running beyond approved hours. “You were asked if you were going to be applying for a liquor license. You said you would not,” she reminded Wells, creating further tension as council members reviewed social media posts suggesting violations.
The hearing also revealed that outdoor activities had occurred at the venue, leading resident Giles to voice concerns about noise affecting the neighborhood. “At 1 o’clock in the morning, that could be a potential problem for the neighbors,” she testified, underscoring the emotional stakes of the council’s decision.
The council’s upcoming vote is set for Thursday, 40 E. Market St., as residents await a decision that could significantly impact community dynamics. The outcome could determine whether the Keystone Arts Center will maintain its artistic mission or pivot towards a nightlife focus, heightening anxieties among local residents.
With the clock ticking down to the council meeting, both supporters and opponents of the liquor license transfer are anxious to see how this pivotal decision will unfold.
