Ligonier Borough Council on Thursday approved a much-discussed ordinance allowing for outdoor cafes in its business district.

Council approved the ordinance at its last meeting, but Mayor Ormond “Butch” Bellas took unusual action and vetoed the ordinance. It was his first veto in eight years serving as Ligonier’s mayor.

“I usually agree with what they do, but not this time,” Bellas said. “It’s too much government.”

Bellas brought up his concerns again at yesterday’s meeting. He said the ordinance’s requirement of a six-inch candle of light at each outdoor table would cause problems because the borough has no way to measure light. He said he didn’t want restaurant owners to have the burden of proving they supply adequate lighting.

Councilman Robert Helterbran said the light requirement is minimal and the burden would rest on the borough’s shoulders, not the restaurant owner.

“There should be no objection here,” Helterbran said.

Bellas also said business owners should not be required to get “a signed permission slip” from the property owner to operate a sidewalk cafe.

But Helterbran argued if the borough permits the practice and the property owner knows nothing about it, the borough could be held liable.

As discussion went on, Bellas became frustrated with the council.

“You guys are going to pass this anyway, so go ahead and pass it,” he said.

Council approved the ordinance, 6-1. Councilman Sam Banales voted against it. Although he didn’t cite reasons why last night, Banales said at last month’s meeting that the ordinance was too restrictive.

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