What are the steps for obtaining a Liquor License in Pennsylvania?

To obtain a Liquor License in Pennsylvania, there are several steps that need to be taken. Pennsylvania has a quota system in place that limits the number of liquor licenses that can be issued in each county. As a result, the availability of liquor licenses may be limited in some areas.

Step 1: Determine the type of liquor license you need

There are several different types of liquor licenses available in Pennsylvania, including restaurant liquor licenses, hotel liquor licenses, and retail liquor licenses. Each license has different requirements and restrictions, so it is important to determine which type of license is appropriate for your business.

Step 2: Meet the eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a liquor license in Pennsylvania, the applicant must be at least 21 years old and have no felony convictions within the past five years. Additionally, the applicant must not have been convicted of any alcohol-related offenses within the past two years.

Step 3: Submit an application with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB)

After determining the appropriate type of license and meeting the eligibility requirements, the applicant must submit an application with the PLCB. The application must include information about the applicant, the business, and the proposed location for the liquor license.

Step 4: Public notice and protest period

After the application is submitted, the PLCB will publish a public notice of the application in a local newspaper. This notice allows members of the community to file a protest against the issuance of the license. If a protest is filed, a hearing will be held to determine whether the license should be issued.

Step 5: Background check and inspection

The PLCB will conduct a background check on the applicant and will inspect the proposed location to ensure that it meets all requirements for a liquor license.

Step 6: Approval and issuance of license

If the application is approved and all requirements are met, the PLCB will issue the liquor license. The license must be displayed in a prominent location in the business.

It is important to note that the process for obtaining a liquor license in Pennsylvania can be complex and time-consuming. It is recommended that applicants seek the advice of a licensed attorney to navigate the process and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.