BUTLER TWP — Township commissioners on Monday approved a request for the owner of Rey Azteca to apply to the state for an economic development restaurant liquor license to expand his Mexican restaurant.

The commissioners approved the request from owner Reynalso Palacios, a township resident, to apply to the Liquor Control Board for the license to open a restaurant that serves liquor, beer and wine at 138 Point Plaza.

Palacios’ attorney said he would keep his current restaurant on New Castle Road and open it for breakfast and lunch.

Four residents spoke in favor of the application, saying many people travel to Mexican restaurants in other municipalities to have alcoholic beverages with their meals.

During a hearing, held during the commissioners’ meeting, on the application, Palacios’ attorney Sherry Hershberger said he plans to open the new restaurant at the site of the former La Casa Mexican Restaurante.

Responding to a question from solicitor Larry Lutz, Hershberger said the new restaurant would create economic development by increasing the township tax base by attracting more customers and hiring eight full-time and eight part-time employees. The existing restaurant has 13 employees, she said.

She said economic development liquor licenses can’t be transferred even if the business closes and at least 70 percent of the restaurant’s sales must be food to qualify for the license.

Lutz noted that Palacios could sell an interest in his limited liability corporation.

Hershberger said Palacios plans to open the new restaurant with or without the liquor license.

Palacios said the new restaurant would be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

He plans to host a festival every September to commemorate Mexican independence.

Yogi McCormick of Pony Trail Lane said he’s been eating at Rey Azteca since it opened and Palacios is a hard working businessman.

“He is a sharp businessman. He’s the hardest working man you’ll ever meet,” McCormick said.

Dana Knox of Seneca Drive said the license would enhance the business and the new restaurant would be welcomed in the community.

Julie Anderson of Gibsonia said she frequently eats at the existing restaurant and many people she knows go to other Mexican restaurants because they serve alcohol.

The commissioners unanimously approved the request from Palacios to apply for the license.

After the hearing, Palacios said he did not know when he would open the new restaurant if the license is approved.