A beer store and dining area are being planned as an addition to Mallard Markets, 161 S. Second St., Lehighton.

Last night, Lehighton Borough Council unanimously approved the transfer of a restaurant liquor license into the borough from a business in Palmerton.Frank Kuhn, owner of Mallard's, said he hopes to have the new business in the basement of his existing grocery store open by spring.Kuhn was accompanied to the meeting by his lawyer, Attorney Carol Wildoner-Walbert.He said the restaurant and beer store would be located in the basement of his store, with the entrance to the rear of the building. He plans to expand the parking lot.Sold will be 12-pack, six-pack, and individual containers.The eatery will have 35 seats although take-out will be encouraged. Sold will be fried chicken, hot dogs, and pizza."Our intention is not to be a bar," he said. "Our intention is not for people to come in there to sit down and drink."Kuhn said the addition will mean the hiring of possibly five more employees.The new business will not affect the operation of the grocery store.The beer store and restaurant will be open seven days a week, probably from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.There won't be any live entertainment.Mayor Donald Rehrig asked about the lighting of the parking lot.Kuhn responded, "The parking lot will be well lit. We will add additional lighting."There also will be signage installed.Measures will be taken so the lighting doesn't bleed to other buildings, he said.The lighting "will be sufficient because that's a big liability to me, too," he told the council members.The license is being transferred to Mallard from Lynn Kale Inc. of Palmerton.Final approval on the liquor license rests with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the council noted.