Frequently asked questions for a Pennsylvania Liquor License

For the link to the Pa Liquor Control Board frequently asked questions, click here:

 http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_109788_0_0_43/http;/pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_general_government_operations/lcb/content/pennsylvania_liquor_control_board/for_licensees/general/bureau_of_licensing_frequently_asked_questions.html?qid=50495849&rank=1

 

FAQ, in general

How do I apply for a Pennsylvania liquor license?

Who is required to get a liquor license?

Who governs the issuance of a liquor license?

How long is a liquor license good for? How often must I renew my license?

What is the quota system?

If I sell my establishment, can the new owner operate on my license until theirs is approved?

How do I apply for a Pennsylvania liquor license?

There are several different ways in which to obtain a liquor license in Pennsylvania. To obtain a new license, an application must be submitted to the state's Bureau of Licensing to be reviewed by the Board. All applications and forms can be found on the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's website, www.lcb.state.pa.us
An applicant might also obtain a liquor license through the transfer of an existing license from a person currently owning and/or operating a licensed establishment. There are three scenarios in which this can occur.
If the ownership of a licensed establishment should change, the new owner must submit an application with the state to have the existing license transferred to him/her. Upon approval of the application, the new owner would be allowed to operate at the same premises.
If a license-holding owner should wish to change the location of their establishment without a change in ownership, an application would need to be submitted to the state.
An application must also be submitted if both the owner of the license and the location of the establishment will change.

Who is required to get a liquor license?

The state of Pennsylvania requires that anyone wishing to distribute or sell alcoholic beverages must apply for a liquor license and be approved to do so. The owner of the license must follow all of the regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).

Who governs the issuance of a Liquor License in Pennsylvania?

All matters pertaining to the licensing and transferring of liquor licenses must be reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

How long is a Pennsylvania Liquor License valid?

Typically, wholesale and retail liquor licenses must be renewed every other year.
In the opposite year, validation of these licenses must be reviewed. There are several other types of licenses and permits whose renewal and validation cycles can vary.

What is the quota system? On what is it based?

Generally, the distribution of liquor licenses in Pennsylvania is regulated by what is called the “quota system”. Based upon statistics gathered in the ten-year census, one retail liquor license is available for every three thousand inhabitants of a county. Once the quota has been met, no new liquor licenses will be issued. If an owner wishes to move their business into a municipality that has already met their quota, written permission must be granted by the municipality prior to the Board’s consideration of the application.

If I sell my establishment, can the new owner operate on my license until theirs is approved?

No. In order for the new owner to be allowed to operate, they must complete and submit an application for the transfer of a liquor license to the Bureau of Licensing and await approval before being allowed to operate. All forms and applications can be found on the PLCB’s webpage, www.lcb.state.pa.us

What are the main types of liquor licenses?

Although there are others, the main types of liquor licenses are restaurant liquor licenses, eating place (deli) licenses, hotel liquor licenses, club liquor licenses, importing distributor licenses and distributor liquor license. The most common license is the restaurant liquor license, which are held by fine dining restaurants and local bars. These licensees must have a food service component. Importing distributor and distributor licenses may sell beer and malt beverages, in case lots, to other licensees and the general public.

Can a liquor license be moved to another location?

Restaurant liquor licenses, eating place (deli) licenses, hotel licenses and club licenses may be transferred only within the municipality for which is currently licensed. Importing distributor and distributor licenses may be transferred anywhere within he county in which it is issued.

How much does a liquor license cost?

There is no fixed price for a liquor license in Pennsylvania. In most municipalities in Pennsylvania, because of the quota law, the only way to obtain a liquor license is by purchasing an existing license. The sales price of license is dictated entirely by the market based on supply and demand. Depending on location and the type of license, licenses have been sold from $5,000 to $400,000.

How much are the filing fees related to a liquor license transfer?

The exact fee for each transaction depends on fees charged by the State for any particular transaction will range between $700 and $2000 depending on the type of license, the location and the desire for ancillary permits such as Sunday sales and Amusement Permit. You will also have to secure a bond to accompany the application which will cost approximately $100.

How long does it take to get a liquor license?

As a general rule, a license transfer application can be expected to take between 60 and 90 days for the filing of the application to PLCB approval. The better prepared you are for the investigation, the quicker you can expect approval.

Can a liquor license be moved near a school, church or other licensee?

Proximity of churches, schools and other licenses can, but will not necessarily, prevent the transfer of a liquor license. The Liquor Code gives the Liquor Control Board the discretion to deny the transfer of any liquor license to a place located within 200 feet from any current licensee or 300 feet from any school or religious institution. The existence of one these institutions does not automatically prevent a license from being transferred to such a premises. The Liquor Control Board has the power to approve the transfer, despite the existence of one of these institutions and even over its objection, but it must be convinced.

Are there minimum requirements on buildings where a liquor license can be placed?

Restaurant liquor licenses must have a minimum of 400 square feet with a kitchen, tables and chairs and sufficient food to serve 30 patrons. An Eating Place license must have 300 square feet but can only sell beer and other malt beverages. Any building, proposed to be licensed as an importing distributor, must have a minimum of 2,500 square feet in floor space. A distributor licensee must have a minimum of 1,000 square feet in floor space.

Is it hard to get a liquor license?

For a qualified applicant, putting a license into a qualified premises, it is not hard to get a liquor license. The nature of the Board's investigation review of applications takes several months but all proper applications are approved.