Pure Imagination nightclub planned for Irwin, council OKs liquor license transfer

The owner of an Irwin candy and gift basket store cleared one hurdle Wednesday in his plans to sell alcohol at a nightclub he wants to open off an alley in the borough’s downtown business district.

Some Irwin Council members objected to the backstreet location of the nightclub.

However, council on Wednesday approved the transfer of a liquor license from a closed Pleasant Unity tavern to Ron Palarino’s Pure Imagination LLC.

That allows Palarino to transfer a liquor license with a restaurant classification from the former Pleasant Corner Inn.

The vote was 5-2. Council members Tyler Baum, Rick Burdelski, Ron Romeo Shawn Stitely and Mike Yunn voted for approval, while Frank Rossi and Leslie Savage opposed it.

The nightclub would be located on the second floor above Palarino’s Gift Basket World & Sarris Candy Store at 419 Main St.

Savage said she opposed the location of the nightclub off Depot Alley, with is between Main and Oak streets.

‘“It is a very bad location,” Savage said.

Both Rossi and Savage said they were concerned that customers from Palarino’s nightclub would spill out onto the alley and create a safety hazard, which would create a problem for police.

Rossi said he believes that Irwin already has enough businesses with liquor licenses.

Although Stitely voted to approve the liquor license transfer, he said he is concerned about possible activity in the alley and noise that may originate from the club. He can envision “people pouring out into the alley.”

“I feel for the residents who live around that area,” Stitely said.

While Palarino plans to have bands play on a stage inside the club, he said most of the time the garage doors that open out into the alley would be closed.

Baum noted that the borough code prevents playing outdoor music after 10 p.m.

He anticipates being open for events between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and open for business only a few days a week.

“It’s not a place to come down and drink,” Palarino said.

Addressing concerns about customers gathering in the alley, Palarino said he would take steps to prevent customers from drinking in the alley.

Palarino, 57, who also operates a car wash along Route 30 in North Huntingdon, said he wants to feature comedy acts, live oldies music, karaoke nights and serve as a place for parties.

Borough solicitor Zachary Kansler advised council before the vote that there was “no procedural reason to deny the application.” The site has met construction codes and is in an area zoned commercial.

It has an occupancy permit for 150 people.

If there are code violations as a result of any activities at the club, Kansler told council that state Liquor Control Board would become involved, which would create another level of enforcement.

Palarino was required to gain borough approval to transfer the liquor license into Irwin because the borough already has more than one liquor license for every 3,000 people.

When a municipality has met that threshold, the LCB requires local government approval for a new license before the LCB approves it, according to the LCB website.

Palarino still must gain approval from the LCB to obtain the liquor license.