What to do as a New Licensee
June 18, 2020
Now that you have been approved as a licensee, listed below are a few things you’ll need to do. This is not an all inclusive list, so be sure to contact us with any questions or concerns that you have.
- Your liquor license must be framed and posted visibly at the premises – usually on the wall behind the bar next to your health license.
- Register with the PLCB+ system! Call the PLCB at 1-717-783-8250 and request your access code. Once you have your access code, go to the PLCB website at: https://plcbplus.pa.gov/pub/Login.aspx and register your account. The PLCB only communicates via e-mail now. All renewal notices and other information will be sent to the e-mail address you provide when you register.
- If you did not obtain permits such as Sunday Sales (“SS”), amusement (“AP”) and/or extended hours food (“EHF”) at the time the transfer application was filed, you will need to apply for them.
- Within 180 days from the date of approval of the transfer, you must complete the Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP). You must complete all five required program components. Completing the owner/manager and server/seller training alone is not enough. Once you complete all five steps, then your business can apply for RAMP certification. The RAMP website is: http://www.lcb.pa.gov/Education/RAMP/Pages/OMOnlineTraining.aspx
- If you would like to obtain an Off-Premises Catering Permit which permits you to hold catered events off of your licensed premises 52 times per calendar year, you have 60 days from the date the Certification of Completion is signed or, if the application was approved on a prior approval basis, within 60 days of the premises becoming operational, to apply for it. This permit expires on December 31st of each year and must be re-applied for annually by March 1.
- If you would like to obtain a Wine Expanded Permit which permits you to sell up to four 375ml bottles of wine for off premises consumption, the application fee is $2,000.00 and annual renewals will cost an amount equal to 2% of the wine you purchased from the PLCB for resale “to go”. Your business must be RAMP certified first before you apply for this Permit. https://www.lcb.pa.gov/Licensing/ResourcesForLicensees/Pages/WineExpandedPermits.aspx
- Register with PLCB Loop at https://plcbloop.pa.gov/CustomerOrderPortal/faces/index to place wine and spirit orders online. If you can’t find a particular product in your local store, here is the product catalogues at FineWineandGoodSpirits.com to check see if the product is available through the PLCB e-commerce store or the Special Liquor Order process. https://www.lcb.pa.gov/Licensing/ResourcesForLicensees/Pages/SpecialOrder.aspx
- Go to https://www.lcb.pa.gov/Licensing/ResourcesForLicensees/Pages/default.aspx for other licensee information and resources
- There are many pamphlets, booklets and signage available for licensees once you login to the PLCB+ system under the Alc. Ed. Materials tab.
- Remember – Your liquor license and permits (except Off-Premises Catering which expires every December 31st) will expire each year if not renewed/validated. You must renew/validate your License every year, even if your License is in safekeeping. Your License expiration date depends on which County your business is located in, and it appears on the face of your License. To be filed timely and avoid a late fee (or worse), you’ll need to file electronically at least 2 months before the expiration date (before September 2nd for an October 31st renewal in Philadelphia County, for example). An e-mail is typically sent out by the PLCB as a reminder. You will need to have tax clearance from both the Pennsylvania Departments of Revenue and Labor & Industry to file your renewal/validation. Feel free to call our office at 215-985-9494 (extension 3) or e-mail Michele (mw@gmliquorlaw.com ) if you would like us to file your renewal for you!
