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PA SB21

PA SB21
In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, further provid ing for Office of Administrative Law Judge; in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for hearings upon refusal of licenses, renewals or transfers and appeals, for renewal of licenses and temporary provisions for licensees in armed service, providing for failure to maintain minimum requirements for licensure and further providin

summary

Introduced
04/28/2025
In Committee
04/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), entitled "An act relating to alcoholic liquors, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto; regulating and restricting the manufacture, purchase, sale, possession, consumption, importation, transportation, furnishing, holding in bond, holding in storage, traffic in and use of alcoholic liquors, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages and the persons engaged or employed therein; defining the powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board; providing for the establishment and operation of State liquor stores, for the payment of certain license fees to the respective municipalities and townships, for the abatement of certain nuisances and, in certain cases, for search and seizure without warrant; prescribing penalties and forfeitures; providing for local option, and repealing existing laws," in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, further providing for Office of Administrative Law Judge; in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for hearings upon refusal of licenses, renewals or transfers and appeals, for renewal of licenses and temporary provisions for licensees in armed service, providing for failure to maintain minimum requirements for licensure and further providing for revocation and suspension of licenses and fines, for applicants to provide State tax identification numbers and statement of State tax status, waiver of confidentiality of information in the possession of the Department of Revenue and other departments and review of State tax status and for rights of municipalities preserved; in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, further providing for appeals; and imposing penalties.

AI Summary

This bill makes several significant changes to Pennsylvania's Liquor Code, focusing on licensing, definitions, and administrative procedures. The bill revises definitions for eating places, hotels, and restaurants to more precisely define what constitutes a food establishment eligible for a liquor license, including requirements for substantial food offerings, seating capacity, and square footage. It expands the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's ability to select up to seven hearing examiners and modifies appeal processes to route appeals through Commonwealth Court instead of local courts. The bill introduces a new provision allowing the Bureau of Licensing to conduct inspections and administratively suspend licenses if minimum requirements are not maintained, with a structured penalty system for first and subsequent violations. The legislation also updates tax reporting requirements for license applicants, now including local tax authorities in the process, and preserves municipal rights to regulate zoning and local ordinances. Additionally, the bill increases fine ranges for various liquor license violations and standardizes appeal procedures across different sections of the Liquor Code, generally giving more discretion to the Liquor Control Board while establishing clearer administrative processes for license management and enforcement.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Referred to Law & Justice (on 04/28/2025)

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