Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Cable Hollow Golf Course is seeking to place a referendum on the fall election ballot to move Pine Grove Township from “dry” to “wet” to be able to procure a liquor license at the golf course.

Discussions continue on a potential referendum question for the fall election that — if successful — would make Pine Grove Township no longer “dry.”

The effort to procure a liquor license in the township comes from John Bortz, whose family owns and operates Cable Hollow Golf Course.

Speaking to the county Board of Elections during a Wednesday meeting, Bortz described this as “more of a procedural issue than anything else.”

A public referendum would be required to move the township from dry to wet.

He said he’s been working with the Pine Grove Township supervisors and the Revitalization of Akeley and Russell group on this issue.

“As we start growing our business, what we’re seeing is a need to provide full service at our establishment,” he said.

He said the supervisors have been “overwhelmingly in support” and that the revitalization group “see(s) this as an opportunity.”

Noting that the township has been dry since Prohibition, Bortz said the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has an exemption system where privately owned, public golf courses “automatically qualify for a liquor license” after background checks.

“We are literally on the one yard line,” he said.“We literally just have to get Pine Grove Township moved over from dry to legal beverage.”

County Elections Director Lisa Rivett said that Bortz would need about 120 signatures in order to place a referendum question on the November ballot.

Noting that the fall election is the right time to do so as everyone regardless of party can vote, Rivett said the deadline to get the question on the ballot is August 25.

She said the Board of Elections would have to meet to approve the question and that the township would be responsible for advertising requirements on the issue.

Rivett said the question has to be binding — either the change is approved or Bortz would have to wait four years before trying again.