Liquor Law

Who We Are and What Sets Us Apart 

Navigating the complex area of liquor law requires a law firm with extensive experience with the Liquor Code, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) regulations and enforcement.  

The attorneys at Barley Snyder have extensive experience in all areas of liquor law including the purchase and sale of licenses, intermunicipal transfers, licensing, extension of licensed premises, opening and operation of storage and satellite locations, enforcement, and manufacturing licenses such as limited winery, limited distillery and brewery licenses. We have in-depth knowledge of the processes surrounding liquor law and develop creative solutions to challenges. Barley Snyder’s liquor law attorneys represent hundreds of clients with their PLCB matters and we have also have experience obtaining Pennsylvania liquor licenses for clients with manufacturing operations in Europe and South America. Furthermore, our liquor law attorneys have taken the PLCB Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) courses, providing us with a solid understanding of the process and allowing us to give unique insight to our clients.

In addition to matters involving licensing and enforcement, Barley Snyder’s attorneys work together across offices and practice groups to provide clients with a full range of legal services. We frequently assist with real estate/zoning matters affecting licensees, employment and immigration matters, financing, intellectual property matters such as trademarking, and general business issues such as entity formation, contract negotiation and review.

Licensing

• Restaurant Liquor License: Transfers of R licenses in Pennsylvania involve specific issues that require an experienced liquor law firm. Restaurant (R) licenses are subject to a county-wide quota in Pennsylvania, and sales of these licenses frequently involve inter-municipality transfers. Barley Snyder’s Liquor Law attorneys are experienced with the Liquor Code and have a good working relationships with PLCB analysts, specialists and supervisors to make the licensing application process more efficient for you. 

• Hotel Liquor License: Hotel (H) licenses are not subject to the county-wide quota but do carry with them their own set of regulations as retail licenses. Barley Snyder regularly represents buyers, sellers, and developers of hotels involving H licenses. For example, we had the opportunity to provide comprehensive legal solutions to High Hotels which involved helping them navigate the often complex liquor licensing process. Click here to learn more.

• Club Liquor License: Club (C) and Catering Club (CC) licenses require a not-for-profit group where sales of alcohol are secondary to other purposes. There are various requirements in the Liquor Code for qualification as a “club” in addition to the various requirements applicable to the license itself. Barley’s Liquor Law attorneys act as your trusted advisor in helping you acquire and maintain a club license.

• Manufacturing Liquor License: Manufacturing licenses are also not limited by a quota and generally are not prohibited in “dry townships” unless a ballot was recently passed. Manufacturing licenses involve unique issues such as labeling and bottling, federal regulations, and zoning challenges. Barley Snyder’s Liquor Law attorneys are experienced with handling these obstacles. Barley Snyder represents limited wineries, limited distilleries, breweries, and brewpubs in obtaining Pennsylvania manufacturing licenses, as well as establishing satellite and storage space licenses for additional locations after those initial licenses are issued.

• Malt Beverage Distributor Liquor License: Distributor (D) licenses are permitted to sell beer for off-premises consumption in any package configuration to customers. Importing distributor (ID) licenses are part of the “three-tier” distribution system (except for breweries and brewpubs who self-distribute) in Pennsylvania, where an out-of-state manufacturer sells its products to importing distributors, who are assigned specific geographic territories by the manufacturer, who then sell to a distributor. No D or ID license holder may purchase, receive, resell, or deliver any malt or brewed beverages except in strict compliance with the Liquor Code and territorial agreements. Distributor licenses, like all other licenses, have specific requirements, including residency requirements, which require the assistance of an experienced liquor law attorney.

Enforcement

Barley Snyder’s liquor law attorneys are skilled in representing licensees before the PLCB in defending Liquor Control Enforcement actions including subsequent appeals to the Court of Common Pleas and the Commonwealth Court.  

If you have a matter involving a liquor license, our team has the experience and breadth that you need. 

Barley Snyder is a preferred vendor and member of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PLBTA). We are also a member of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association (PRLA).