BLOOMINGTON - A beer and a movie will not be allowed in Bloomington after the City Council denied on Monday a request by Wehrenberg theaters for a liquor license.

Wehrenberg is building the Bloomington Galaxy Cine 14 at 1111 Wylie Drive. The theater complex is expected to open in December.

In addition to voting on the theater, the council acknowledged a crowd of more than 50 skateboard enthusiasts who attended the meeting. The crowd members were concerned about the status of a skate park proposed for O'Neil Park.

Also, a recent state police investigation into the conduct of a Bloomington police officer was discussed before the council.

After several motions the council settled on a 5-4 vote to deny the liquor license that would have allowed Wehrenberg to serve beer seven days a week. Several other motions included compromises to issue the license, such as limiting the size of the beers sold at the theater's concession stand and limiting beer consumption to the lobby area.

Wehrenberg President Ronald Krueger II said the theater company has four complexes in Missouri and Iowa with liquor licenses and has not had a problem with serving too much to a patron or underage drinking.

However, several aldermen, including John Hanson, questioned why it was necessary to serve beer at the theater.

"If it accounts for only 3 percent of total sales, then what is the brainchild behind having it?" Hanson asked.

Aldermen Judy Stearns, Steven Purcell, Hanson, Jim Finnegan and Allen Gibson voted to deny the license.

Krueger responded the theater is more of an entertainment complex with a seating area for eating and an expanded arcade. As part of that experience the theater complex serves more than just popcorn, Krueger said.

"It is there for those who want to enjoy a beer with their pizza or pretzel," Krueger said.

Meanwhile, in other discussion the council learned it will receive at its Oct. 8 meeting bids for building a skate park on the city's west side.

John Perkins, from the community committee working with the city to build the park, said the skateboarders who attended Monday's meeting were there to encourage the council to move forward with the project.

The city's budget for this year includes $170,000 to pay for the park. However, with the city anticipating a $2 million shortfall for its 2008 budget, the skate park recently was used as an example of a project that could be cut to save money for next year.

Also aldermen question Police Chief Roger Aikin about whether an internal investigation by Bloomington police would be conducted into allegations about one of his command staff. The police union claims Lt. Tim Stanesa arrived at an Aug. 25 standoff intoxicated.

An investigation by the Illinois State Police and the McLean County state's attorney's office found no basis for criminal charges against Stenesa.

Aikin said the city would review everything about the incident.