Two years after proponents of a “wet” Bellevue failed to get enough signatures on a petition, the same group of people is once again trying to get the issue of liquor sales in the borough on the spring primary election ballot.

Stymied the first time by the number of signatures required for the referendum to be placed on the ballot, proponents are looking at a much lower hurdle this time around. Because the number of signatures needed is based on a percentage of the number of voters in a particular election, organizers found themselves needing more than 1,000 signatures in 2009. With nowhere near that many signatures collected from registered voters in Bellevue, the question of whether liquor licenses should be available to businesses in Bellevue never reached the ballot.

This year, organizers say, they need at least 625 signatures because voter turnout in the next relevant election was considerably lower.

And although proponents are framing the issue as one in which “limited” sales of alcohol will be allowed, and the sales must be at “restaurants” only, in reality nothing much has changed in the opportunities and dangers associated with the issue.

According to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Bellevue would be eligible to receive two or three liquor licenses, based on the ratio of one license per 3,000 residents of the town.

Those licenses would fall under the “R” license designation, for restaurants, but the designation covers most bars in the state, according to the PALCB.

Under the requirements for an “R” license, an establishment serving alcohol must principally sell food, but, the PALCB says, the state does not require food sales to total a particular percentage of gross sales, nor does it distinguish between potato chips and a five-course dinner.

An “R” licensed establishment must measure at least 400 square feet and provide seating for 30 people.

Organizers have until March 7 to collect the necessary signatures.