Applicant for rooftop restaurant urges council to approve liquor‑license transfer after pledging to resolve outstanding borough issues

Fabian Trench, owner of Highline 267, asked Pottstown council to approve the municipal transfer of restaurant liquor license R20614 so he can open a rooftop dining and lounge at 267 East High Street.

"I respectfully ask that council approve the municipal transfer of the liquor license so I can move forward with this project," Trench said, describing a concept focused on food service and "a well‑managed rooftop dining and lounge environment" rather than a nightclub.

Solicitor Matt framed the legal standard for the hearing, telling council the borough must hold a public hearing under 40 Pa. Code §7.61 and "you are required to approve the transfer unless there is specific objective evidence that the transfer will have a detrimental effect on the community." He described the exhibits on the record, including the application and a staff memo summarizing the applicant's standing with respect to tax and code issues.

Council members pressed Trench about outstanding borough obligations that a staff memo flagged, asking whether council could attach conditions to any approval. Trench said he would personally visit borough offices to resolve the issues and offered to satisfy outstanding items immediately. Several council members said they supported the concept but wanted the outstanding items addressed before they would vote in favor.

No members of the public spoke at the hearing. The council agreed to leave the record open until the regular Monday council meeting so staff can verify whether the applicant has resolved the listed obligations; the final action will be taken by resolution at that meeting.

What happens next: the transfer will appear on the regular‑council agenda on Monday; council members said they expected to review any payments or documents provided by the applicant before voting.