The Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas has rejected a challenge filed by Mark Helbling concerning the results of the May 17 primary election alcohol referendum.

The Bellevue Council member filed a petition alleging that the county elections department’s plain English explanation of the ballot question was incorrect and influenced voters against the referendum, which would have allowed liquor licenses to be issued to businesses in the borough.

Helbling asked that the court order the referendum to be placed on the next election ballot instead of being forced to wait four years, as required by law.

Helbling acted without an attorney, however, and the petition failed to comply with a variety of state laws regarding election challenges. According to court records, the petition was dismissed with prejudice on June 24 by Judge Joseph James.