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Liquor Law Blog

Legal Liquor

Discussing liquor law and regulation issues.

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Jan 13, 2023

Higher Prices in Pennsylvania and Liquor Law Reform in New Jersey

In the last week, liquor law developments in Pennsylvania and New Jersey have moved in contrasting directions.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (“PLCB”) announced it will increase prices on approximately 3,554 of its products by 4% effective Jan. 15, 2023. The PLCB stated economic conditions forced this decision, which was made off the record and without a vote. » Read More

Oct 04, 2022

Crafting a Solution: New Jersey Lawmaker Takes Steps to Roll Back New Brewery Restrictions

On July 1, 2022, the New Jersey Division of Alcohol Beverage Control (“ABC”) issued an updated special ruling implementing new craft brewery regulations that were first issued in 2019. The initial 2019 rollout faced significant objections by New Jersey Brewers, requiring the ABC to go back to the drawing board and review them prior to implementation. » Read More

Aug 18, 2022

Giving Pennsylvanians a Second Chance: Ethics Investigation Spurs PALCB Changes in Limited-Release Lotteries

A recent ethics investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission into the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (“PALCB”) has spurred changes in how the PALCB conducts limited-release lotteries.

Periodically, the PALCB conducts limited-release lotteries intending to fairly and equitably distribute rare and highly sought after spirits such as the Pappy Van Winkle Collection and the Buffalo Trace Collection. » Read More

Aug 11, 2022

A Tip Sheet about Tips: What Employers Need to Know About the New Tipping Regulations in Pennsylvania

As a result of increased focus on employee rights and safeguards, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry recently implemented new wage and hour regulations under the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act. These new regulations, which became immediately effective on August 5, 2022, make significant changes for employees who receive tips or service charges. » Read More

Aug 04, 2022

Play that Funky Music up to 75 Decibels: Pennsylvania Updates Laws Regarding Sound and Music Amplification

Outdoor dining in Pennsylvania was always a novelty, but it became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic. This phenomenon highlighted a long-standing issue for restaurants that wanted to complement a customer’s experience with music.

Unfortunately, in the past, state law prohibited any sound beyond the property line. » Read More

Feb 18, 2022

PLCB’s Power Grab Under CLA Stopped

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (“PLCB”) has the authority to issue licenses to sell alcohol and to develop and promulgate regulations that govern the Pennsylvania alcoholic beverage industry. As a creature of statute, the PLCB may exercise only the authority granted in its enabling legislation, mainly the Pennsylvania Liquor Code (Title 47 P.S. » Read More

Jan 20, 2022

PLCB Approves Sales of CBD Products

Recently, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (“PLCB”) amended Advisory Notice No. 9, which establishes guidelines relating to the provisions of the liquor code and PLCB regulations authorizing what a distributor or importing distributor may sell or rent. This amendment now allows for beer distributors or importing distributors to sell various cannabidiol (“CBD”) products to both the general public and other licensees of the PLCB. » Read More

Nov 18, 2021

Pandemic-Driven Amendments to Liquor Code Truly Novel

On Nov. 5, 2021, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law House Bill 425, which became effective immediately. Inspired by the restaurant industry’s struggle to recover from the pandemic and related shifts in operations, the bill presents new opportunities for licensees by eliminating a major hurdle for licensing premises under a licensee’s control. » Read More