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MARTINSBURG -- The Altoona-Blair County Airport has received its liquor license, allowing the restaurant there to serve alcohol.
LaFiesta Mexican Bar & Grille operates the airport's eatery.
The license, the only liquor license in the state of Pennsylvania to be held by an airport authority, arrived Jan. 23, said Airport Manager Tracy Plessinger.
The authority recently agreed to language revisions in its lease with the operator of the restaurant, a step that was expected to pave the way for securing the state's approval on a liquor license.
The state Liquor Control Board legal department asked for the lease be modified so it's clear that the airport holds the liquor license, airport solicitor David Pertile told the airport authority during a January meeting.
The airport authority has long been interested in a liquor license for use by its restaurant operator. Over the years, the airport's restaurant has had several operators who struggled to stay in business and eventually closed.
LaFiesta, which opened in April, has been supportive of the airport's quest, which put it in a position to begin selling alcoholic beverages. Until the license arrived, the restaurant was allowing patrons to bring in their own liquor for consumption with food.
"We think it will be very good for business. We are the only establishment in the Cove that is able to serve alcohol," Plessinger said. "Anyone who wants a margarita or a beer to go with their meal, this gives them an option to stay here in the Cove to do it."
In the May 2019 primary, North Woodbury Township residents voted 244-204 in favor of the airport's pursuit of a liquor license in the otherwise dry township.