How to get a Liquor License in Pennsylvania?

Feb 7, 2024 | 3 min read

To obtain a liquor license in Pennsylvania, you must apply through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). There are four ways to obtain a license: through the issuing of a new license, the approval of a person-to-person transfer, the approval of a place-to-place transfer, or the approval of a double transfer (person-to-person and place-to-place). The process involves a thorough investigation by the PLCB Bureau of Licensing and requires the preparation of certain documents and information in advance. The cost of the application varies depending on the type of license and the population of your municipality.

1. Apply for a New License

  • Purpose: To obtain a new liquor license from the PLCB.
  • Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the type of license and the population of your municipality.
  • Instructions: Apply to the PLCB Bureau of Licensing. The process involves a thorough investigation to determine whether you and/or your premises should be licensed. Prepare certain documents and information in advance for review by the PLCB investigator. These include identification, naturalization papers or alien ID (if applicable), residence and employment information for the previous five years. All principals living in Pennsylvania, as well as the applicant manager, must be available for an interview.

2. Apply for a Person-to-Person Transfer

  • Purpose: To have an existing license owned by another person transferred to you for use at the same location. This is valid only in cases of a change of ownership.
  • Estimated Cost: $650.00
  • Instructions: Apply to the PLCB for a person-to-person transfer. The process involves a thorough investigation by the PLCB Bureau of Licensing.

3. Apply for a Place-to-Place Transfer

  • Purpose: To have an existing license that you hold transferred to a different location without any changes in ownership.
  • Estimated Cost: $550.00.
  • Instructions: Apply to the PLCB for a place-to-place transfer. The process involves a thorough investigation by the PLCB Bureau of Licensing.

4. Apply for a Double Transfer

  • Purpose: To have an existing license transferred to you for use at a different location, meaning both ownership and the licensed premises changes.
  • Estimated Cost: $700.00.
  • Instructions: Apply to the PLCB for a double transfer. The process involves a thorough investigation by the PLCB Bureau of Licensing.

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FAQs:

  • What are the different ways to obtain a liquor license in Pennsylvania? There are four ways to obtain a license: through the issuing of a new license, the approval of a person-to-person transfer, the approval of a place-to-place transfer, or the approval of a double transfer (person-to-person and place-to-place).
  • What is the cost of applying for a liquor license in Pennsylvania? The cost of the application varies depending on the type of license and the population of your municipality. The license transfer fee is $550 for place-to-place, $650 for person-to-person, and $700 for a change of person and place.
  • What documents are required to apply for a liquor license in Pennsylvania? These include identification, naturalization papers or alien ID (if applicable), residence and employment information for the previous five years. All principals living in Pennsylvania, as well as the applicant manager, must be available for an interview.

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