The following is a quote from Chuck Moran, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PaTaverns), regarding HB 467 that was signed by Gov. Shapiro today. HB 467, now Act 56 of 2025, addresses an issue within the hospitality industry related to off-premise catering permits when used for funeral luncheons and dinners. This bill is part of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association’s 2025-26 legislative agenda to address outdated liquor codes that handcuff small business bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants.

 

Today, Governor Josh Shapiro signed HB 467 into law. The bill in its original language allows the state’s taverns, bars, and licensed restaurants to provide full off-premise catering services as part of funeral lunches and dinners when such events are held shortly after a person’s death. Amendments added create a dead liquor license auction; provide premise expansions for certain sporting events; and better defines what non-profits are eligible for a special occasions permit.

Concerning the primary focus of the bill, current liquor code often prevents establishments from providing full off-premise catering services for funeral dinners since licensees are required to provide the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) 14 days notices when using an off-premise catering permit (OPCP). HB 467 changes that to require licensees to notify the PLCB, liquor control enforcement, and local police 24 hours in advance when an OPCP is being used as part of an end-of-life celebration.

The PLBTA became aware of the issue late last year through Board Member Michelle Ritter, owner of the Willow Street Pub in Coplay. The Association immediately adopted the issue as one of its legislative agenda items for the current two-year session, and began work at the state capital to fix the catering glitch.

This glitch in the liquor code not only hampers licensees from providing their full catering services but also was often disappointing to families trying to make arrangements for a funeral dinner.

We’re happy our Association could address this outdated liquor code with some common sense through legislative channels, helping small business taverns, bars, and licensed restaurants as well as Pennsylvania families wishing to remember the life of a loved one.

Rep. Dan Deasy, chair of the House Liquor Control Committee, championed the issue in the House and sponsored HB 467. Meanwhile, Sen. Dan Laughlin, chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee, took the lead on the issue in the Senate. HB 467 was the first liquor bill to move out of their respective committees the year.

The PLBTA thanks Gov. Shapiro, Rep. Deasy and Sen. Laughlin as well as both House and Senate leadership for moving this issue forward.

 

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The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association is the statewide political voice for small business taverns and licensed restaurants. Based in Harrisburg, the Association formed in 1941, reorganized in 2019, and today advocates for best practices and rights within the industry as well as best experiences for patrons. To learn more, visit https://pataverns.com/ or follow the Association on Twitter via @TavernPA.