On July 15, 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation that amends Pennsylvania’s liquor code, specifically the duration of happy hours and the discounting of alcoholic beverages. These changes to the liquor code...more
In HUF Rest., Inc. v. Commonwealth, No. 394, 2024 Pa. Commw. LEXIS 105, at *1 (Pa. Commw. Ct. Apr. 24, 2024) the Commonwealth Court ruled that a buyer’s failure to obtain a bulk sale certificate made it liable for the...more
On January 16, 2024, Governor Murphy signed S4265/A5912 into law, reforming New Jersey’s long-standing liquor license practices. The law was enacted to provide open opportunities for new development in communities, in the...more
On December 14, 2023, Governor Shapiro signed House Bill No. 1096 into law, now known as Act 49 of 2023 (Act 49), which allows certain hotel licensees to apply to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) to convert to...more
An Off-Premises Catering Permit (“Catering Permit”) empowers Restaurant, Hotel, and Eating Place licensees to sell alcohol outside their regular licensed premises. It enables the provision of food paired with alcoholic...more
Throughout my career as a hospitality and liquor license lawyer, I have been on the front lines of many successes and challenges in the industry. From inception of the business through succession, I have learned from...more
Virginia’s Alcohol Beverage Control (“ABC”) Act provides that an entity seeking to ship wine to Virginia consumers must have a license to do so, and each license must “designate the place where the business of the licensee...more
Looking for a lottery ticket that could win you a highly coveted and valuable liquor license? If so, and you have $100 to spare, then you too can apply for the state’s “quota” liquor license lottery....more
Last week the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s (PLCB) released information regarding its 12th auction of expired restaurant licenses. This auction is expected to have a significant impact on the culinary landscape across...more
Until recently, Florida restaurants needed to maintain 2,500 square feet of service area and be able to serve meals to 150 persons at one time (i.e., 150 or more patron seats on the premises) to hold a non-quota full-service...more
Exciting news for restaurant owners in Pennsylvania with R-licenses! There is a proposed change to Pennsylvania’s Liquor Code that could increase your opportunity to sell alcohol outside your licensed premises. ...more
Governor Murphy recently held a roundtable discussion with restaurant owners and fellow government officials, where he discussed his proposal to modernize the state’s liquor license laws. The proposal was teased in Governor...more
In a previous blog post, we had advised that extensions for outdoor dining and sale of alcoholic beverages to-go were set to expire on April 1, 2023. On March 23, 2023, however, the Legislature passed House Bill 3458,...more
Running a bar or restaurant in Pennsylvania requires having a valid liquor license. This license enables you to serve alcohol to your customers, thereby improving their dining experience and increasing your revenue. However,...more
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts lawmakers temporarily authorized on-premises consumption licensees to expand their outdoor dining premises and offer to-go and delivery sales of alcoholic...more
Here's an oft-repeated question: can I "brown bag" — bring my own wine — in a restaurant, hotel or bar that holds a liquor license in Tennessee? Surprise, surprise — yes, you can. In an unusual twist of Tennessee liquor...more
Restaurant, hospitality and grocery insiders call it The Wall. You know, the place where you have to publicly display your liquor license and other stuff the State of Tennessee issues. We hear it all too often from...more
After surviving COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, selling and serving alcohol in South Carolina restaurants and hotels is a huge industry showing no sign of slowing down. Even businesses not traditionally associated with...more
Due diligence on restaurant companies should factor in industry-specific legal and operational risks. Buyers acquire restaurant companies to access new brands, expand and diversify, or vertically integrate. Attractive...more
Everyone in the restaurant and bar business knows you must have a liquor license to sell wine and spirits. It's a crime to sell liquor without a license. Outside the hospitality industry, a surprising number of businesses...more
If you are buying or financing properties with businesses selling alcoholic beverages, Florida’s regulatory requirements may seem daunting. To successfully navigate the complexities of Florida alcoholic beverage licensing, a...more
The last couple of years have brought about lots of change for many business owners, not the least of which being owners in the hospitality industry. While this cycle of change has regrettably caused some to close their...more
On June 29, 2021, Governor DeSantis signed HB 1647 allowing smaller restaurants to be eligible for Special Food Service (4COP SFS) liquor licenses. Owners with businesses and properties that fall within the Orlando Main...more
It’s official! On July 1, 2021, restaurants in Florida will be able to sell alcoholic beverages, including mixed cocktails, to-go and for delivery permanently. ...more
Want a margarita with your Mexican dinner to-go? Then you’re in luck. What started out as a COVID-era ease on businesses was signed into law yesterday. CS/SB 148, a bill that allows restaurants with liquor licenses to...more