Controlled Alcohol: Wine, Beer, and Spirits
The state of Pennsylvania tightly regulates the selling and purchasing of wines and spirits. The agency controls the manufacturing, importation, sale, distribution, and disposition of liquor, alcohol, and malt of brewed beverages in the state. As a result, wholesale operations of wine and spirits are controlled by the state, and licensees are allowed to purchase their orders from the state-operated Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores, have their orders delivered from the PLCB distribution centers for high-volume licensees or pickup from one of 12 service centers available for licensees.
State law includes a local option for municipalities, but not counties. As of August 2018, 685 Pennsylvania municipalities are at least partially dry according to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association.
Ordering
The state-operated stores maintain an extensive inventory of over 94,000 various wines and spirits. Orders can be placed through Licensee Online Order Portal (LOOP). LOOP provides some interesting features, such as providing price-per-ounce information so that licensees can compare products, and the system instantly shows licensees how much is saved on an order.
If orders are delivered, payment can be made online. However, payment for all pickup orders must be made in person during pickup. Licensees receive a 10% discount on the purchase price for orders placed through LOOP.
Pennsylvania liquor pricing is controlled by state law. There are no additional discounts available beyond the 10% for orders through a loop and state law does not allow any promotions.
Licensees can place special orders for products if they aren't available in a local store. Through Special Order, there are thousands of products suppliers have opted to make available and many suppliers make certain wines and spirits available only through Special Order.
Obtaining a liquor license in the state of Pennsylvania can be difficult for several reasons. Liquor licenses in this state are based on a statutory quota. This means that the number of licenses permitted is restricted by the number of residents in that area. For a change in the number of licenses permitted to occur, there would have to be a change in the population in the area you are seeking a license. As a result, it is common for those seeking a new license to gain one through the state's Restaurant License Auction.
Ways to Obtain A Liquor License
For information on how to obtain a liquor license, you must email the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
Restaurant License Auction
The Restaurant License Auction allows the PLCB to auction off expired licenses to the highest bidder. The number of licenses available for auction varies, along with the average winning bid. For instance, an auction held in March of 2019 had 8 licenses up for auction and the average winning bid was $95,525. On the other hand in August of 2018, there were 25 licenses up for auction and the average winning bid was $73,915.
For information regarding future auctions and the results of previous auctions, click here. Future auctions typically have a deadline set on when bids must be submitted before the auction date.
How to Participate in An Auction
To bid on a license up for auction a bidder must submit a completed bid package. This includes a PLCB Bid Sheet for the particular license, signed and sealed, along with a bid guarantee in the amount of $5,000 (a certified check, cashier's check, or bid bond). The package must then be submitted in a sealed envelope, with your IFB number labeled on the outside, the auction number of the license, and the name of the person or entity bidding. The package must be mailed or hand carried to the below address:
PLCB Purchasing & Contract Administration Division
Invitation for Bid #XXXXXX
Northwest Office Building, Room 316
Harrisburg, PA 17124-0001
In order to participate in an auction there is a minimum bid of $25,000 for a license. Bid amounts must be in whole dollars and the highest bidder has the right to apply for a transfer of the auctioned license.
Also, you are allowed to bid on more than one license and a separate bid package must be submitted for every license you wish to bid on.
Once all bids are placed, shortly thereafter the bid opening will take place. It is asked that bidders limit attendance to two persons per bidding party and attendance is optional. No awards will be made at the opening but instead through a formal Notice of Selection.
Next Steps for those that won a bid for a license:
- Submit Payment: Those that have won a bid for an expired license have 14 days from the date of Notice of Selection to submit the full bid payment to the PCLB. If the bid payment is not received during that time period then the license will be awarded to the second highest bidder who will then have 14 days to submit their bid payment.
- Application: Winners will then have six months from the time they initially received the Notice of Selection to submit an application. During this time period, bids will be held in escrow pending the approval of the license.
Below we have listed other methods to obtain an alcoholic beverage license:
- Person-to-Person Transfer: This method allows for the change in the Licensee name but the license location remains the same as the original license. This is valid in instances of a change in ownership.
- Place-to-Place Transfer: For a place-to-place transfer, there is no change in ownership but a change in the licensed premise. This allows for the license to be transferred to a different location. This is valid for businesses that change locations.
- Double Transfer: This method means that there is a change in ownership and location of the license. This requires the applicant to apply to have an existing license to be used at a new location and under a new licensee.
License Requirements
Restaurant (R)
Minimum Size of Licensed Premise: 400 sq. ft
Food & Seating Requirements:
- Must have seating and food for at least 30 patrons
- 30 or more seats must be readily available for the public and should not be concealed or behind locked doors or walls (bar stools are considered an acceptable form of seating)
- Seating may not be stacked.
- Must have dishes and silverware to accommodate at least 30 patrons.
Health License Requirements: Must have a current and valid health license issued by your governing municipal authority.
Eating Place (E)
Minimum Size of Licensed Premise: 300 sq. ft
Food & Seating Requirements:
- Must have seating and food for at least 30 patrons
- 30 or more seats must be readily available for the public and should not be concealed or behind locked doors or walls (bar stools are considered as an acceptable form of seating)
- Seating may not be stacked.
- Must have dishes and silverware to accommodate at least 30 patrons.
Health License Requirements: Must have a current and valid health license issued by your governing municipal authority.
Room Requirements: A functioning kitchen or food preparation area must be on site
Hotel (H)
Minimum Size of Licensed Premise: 400 sq. ft
Food & Seating Requirements:
- Must have seating and food for at least 30 patrons
- 30 or more seats must be readily available for the public and should not be concealed or behind locked doors or walls (bar stools are considered an acceptable form of seating)
- Seating may not be stacked.
- Must have dishes and silverware to accommodate at least 30 patrons.
Health License Requirements: Must have a current and valid health license issued by your governing municipal authority.
Room Requirements:
- A functioning kitchen or food preparation area must be on site
- Hotel Rooms must be available for transient guest, unless an exemption waiver was granted.
For more information regarding the food regulations, click here.
Important Facts
- Renewal: All Licenses have to be renewed every two years, if a license is not renewed it is considered expired and placed for auction
- Protest: Neighbors within 500 ft of a pending restaurant licensee premise may object to the application.
There are a variety of different training programs offered by the PCLB. One of their responsibilities includes the prevention of underage and dangerous drinking. As a way to encourage licensees to participate in the efforts of the PCLB local partners are rewarded Alcohol Education grants for their deterrence efforts. Below we have listed and provided information regarding the various alcohol training programs.
Employee training is required in the state of Pennsylvania. For employees of licensed locations, anyone who serves or sells alcoholic beverages and/or checks IDs- including bartenders, waiters, bouncers, doorpersons, etc.- must complete the RAMP server/seller training within the first 6 months of their hiring. The only exception is if the employee has successfully completed RAMP server/seller training prior to being hired.
Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP)
This program created by the PLCB assists licensees in identifying fake identification cards, tips to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors, and ways to recognize and handle visibly intoxicated patrons, along with understanding the liability these issues present to their business.
RAMP certification can also be required beyond initial hiring and for the following reasons:
- Any licensee that has been found guilty by the Administrative Law Judge for the sales of alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated persons.
- As a part of a condition licensing Agreement
- Prior to obtaining a wine expanded permit
There are a variety of different certificates one can earn after completing the RAMP training and they include
- Owner/Manager Training- training that is geared towards those that are most responsible for day-to-day operations and policies established at the licensed establishment.
- Requirements: New managers are required to complete the owner/manager training within 180 days of approval appointment by the PLCB, unless the manager has successfully completed the training within the last 2 years.
- Availability: This training course is available online and in the classroom once the person has registered for PLCB+
- Server/Seller Training- training for those that sell, serve, and/or check IDs
- Requirements: All applicable employees must successfully complete RAMP server/seller training within the first 6 months of their hiring.
- When current employees RAMP certification expires they must be retrained
- Availability: This training course is available online and in the classroom once the person has registered for PLCB+ or by scheduling with an approved instructor.
- Cost: The cost for the server training may vary depending on the provider
How to Receive RAMP Certification
Simply completing the owner/manager training or the server/seller training does not grant certification to the establishment of the person completing the training. In order for a licensed premise to receive its RAMP certification, the following steps must be completed.
Owner/Manager Training
- Topics include the creation of house policies and procedures for staff and the public along with aspects of the server/seller training
- This must be completed by the current PLCB-approved manager, contact the Bureau of Licensing, ra-lblicensing@pa.gov, to be notified of who this is
Server/Seller Training
- The training covers topics such as how to detect fake IDs, identify signs of intoxication, and responsibly manage patrons.
- At least 50% of the alcohol service staff must be trained before certification can be granted.
- Upon completion of the course, employees must successfully pass a course examination, with a score of 80% or better
New Employee Orientation
- This orientation must be provided to each of the licensee's current staff and to each new employee within 30 days of hire.
- The New Employee Orientation Form must be completed and signed by each new employee, including owners/managers and security personnel. The owners must maintain a completed copy of the alcohol service staff's forms for the duration of their employment
- The Orientation must be completed by the owner, manager, or a designated instructor
Signage
- The appropriate signage must be posted at the licensed establishment regarding responsible alcohol service.
- At least two signs must be posted addressing acceptable forms of ID and refusal to serve alcohol to minors and visibly intoxicated patrons
- The correct signage can be ordered through, PLCB+, once an account is created.
- Signage must be appropriately displaced so that it is easily visible to patrons
Affidavit Request for RAMP Certification
- The final step requires the licensee to apply for the RAMP certification in PLCB+, by following these instructions.
- A licensed establishment is not RAMP certified until all of these requirements are met and certified by the PLCB
Benefits of RAMP Certification
- Knowledgeable, well-trained alcohol service staff and management
- Recognition as a responsible licensee in your community
- Less likelihood of dram shop liability
- Possible liquor liability insurance discount
- Possible reduction in fines and penalties issued by an Administrative Law Judge for serving a minor or visibly intoxicated patron (as long as the licensee was RAMP-certified at the time of the violation and had no citations for either of those two violations in the previous four years).
For assistance regarding your RAMP Certification, you can contact your regional office.
Central Region, 717.558.2160
Eastern Region, 610.940.1217
Western Region, 412.723.0109
Annual Alcohol Education Conference
Every year the PLCB host a free conference where experts in alcohol education share their experiences and knowledge with members of the industry who are interested in reducing underage drinking and promoting responsible drinking among those of age.
The theme of the conference changes each year, so the workshops and presentations are always based on the latest information, trends, and methods. More information for this year's Pennsylvania Annual Alcohol Education Conference.
