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By in Latest News Comments Off on Harrisburg Check-in With Rep. Dan Deasy

Harrisburg Check-in With Rep. Dan Deasy

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association sat down with Rep. Dan Deasy recently to learn more about his perspective on the liquor industry, including Act 39 and the current political landscape. Rep. Deasy is Democratic Chairman of the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee. He serves the 27th District including part of Allegheny County.

 

PLBTA: Thinking back to your first elected position, what motivated you to run for public office?
DD: I would say that the real motivator for me to run for office was the opportunity to make a difference in my community.  I began my elected career as a Pittsburgh Councilman and was very involved in many issues at the time.  It seemed a natural step to expand those opportunities at the state level.

PLBTA: What makes you particularly interested in chairing the House Liquor Control Committee?
DD: Right away I knew that becoming the Democratic Chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee would allow me to work on issues that have been important to me.  I have a strong background in labor and generally speaking the dynamics of the committee are diverse but collaborative and I really felt we could work together to get things done.  Liquor is an evolving business which addresses a multitude of issues from small businesses, labor, and consumer convenience. It’s not a stagnant industry but one that is constantly changing as demand for the product changes.

PLBTA: Our members are mostly mom and pop operations. When they look around their hometowns, they can see that the local hardware store has closed, the independent doctor was bought out by a hospital chain, and the neighborhood grocery store is no more. They worry that their industry is next.  Do you every worry about small businesses going away?
DD: Absolutely, many of our caucuses’ efforts to prevent privatization are geared towards protecting small businesses.  Once big box stores are the main retailer of alcohol, we can pretty much forecast the demise of independently owned alcohol retail establishment.  I recognize that taverns are more than just a place to grab a drink, they are often the social hub of a neighborhood/community.  They are a place to step away from the daily grind and relax. I don’t want to see them be the next small business closed.

PLBTA: Do you have an agenda for the Liquor Control Committee this legislative session? Are there issues that concern you with the system today, or that you see as needing change to make the system more workable or efficient for those in the industry and for consumers?
DD: This is a unique year and we have many new members on the committee this session, from both sides of the aisle, so first we must make sure that everyone not only understands the substantive changes realized by Act 39 but also take an in-depth look at the impact of any new legislation could have on the industry as a whole. I would like to see the committee move legislation that would strike a balance to providing consumers with the convenience they are requesting without sacrificing the controls that we have in our current system.

PLBTA: Passage of Act 39 forced many changes in the retail liquor industry, with unintended consequences for many licenses.  Taverns are facing more competition than ever before. Do you anticipate the Liquor Control Committee looking at the impacts of Act 39, and making any changes to help level the playing field for all licensees?
DD: I believe it is very important to work with our stakeholders, like the Tavern Association, to address problems/concerns they are facing. The impacts of Act 39 are still being realized and I am committed to helping correct any problems that may have inadvertently been created.  Keeping an open dialogue so we can move forward to address everyone’s concerns is the only way to have positive change.

PLBTA: One result of Act 39 has been delays in timely beer deliveries due to the expansion and universal availability of beer at large retailers and convenience store, which were not in the beer business prior to the Act.  At times, bar owners find themselves out of supplies, but current law doesn’t allow tavern owners to pick up beer when they are short through no fault of their own. Would you support legislation that would allow tavern owners to pick up limited amounts of brewed and malt beverages when they run out.
DD: While grocery and convenience stores have been licensed to sell beer since the early 2000s, the changes in the way people shop have definitely expanded the number of these outlets choosing to acquire licenses.  I can see how the increased number of retail outlets which focus on “take-out” beer can impact bars and taverns.  I would support taking a look at expanding the delivery/pick-up options available for licenses in a manner that would still preserve the three-tier system.

PLBTA: Bar owners often pay servers and bartenders through the wage-tip structure that guarantees minimum wage through a combination of a tavern hourly wage and tips. They often can make more… $15, $20, $25 per hour. This structure helps the small business and the employee. Gov Wolf wants to change the minimum wage rules, possibly going as high as $15 /hour and setting tipped minimum wages at 75% of the overall minimum.  Some worry that patrons will feel tipping is not necessary due to a higher wage.  If this were to happen, it may actually cause servers and bartenders to make less.  How do you feel about the wage-tipped wage structure?
DD: The minimum wage issue has many factors which complicate the issue and I believe it is imperative that we take into consideration what a livable wage means. In a way it may be a good thing that something wasn’t hurriedly done to beat a budget deadline which would negatively impact certain pay structures. We must certainly look out for those trying to support and sustain their family all the while balancing the challenges of certain industries. The wages tip structure has worked well for many workers and I would like to see us try to maintain that system while also addresses other inadequacies.

PLBTA: Everyone has their favorite ba, or tavern. These establishments can be great places to gather with friends. Without specifically naming your favorite, what make it so special that you keep going back?  What stands out about it?
DD: I actually have a few favorite local establishments. This time of year I like to enjoy being outdoors, enjoying a cocktail so that is a big plus for me. I also look forward to going out anywhere and not having a discussion about politics. This is very important to me because that dominates most of my time and it’s nice to get away from that from time to time.

The above Q&A was republished from the August edition of Pennsylvania Observer, the official magazine of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association.

 

 

 

By in Latest News, Uncategorized Comments Off on Harrisburg Check-in with Sen. Pat Stefano

Harrisburg Check-in with Sen. Pat Stefano

Sen. Pat Stefano

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association sat down with Sen. Pat. Stefano recently to learn more about his perspective on the liquor industry, including Act 39 and the current political landscape. Sen. Stefano is chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee. He serves the 32nd District including Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties.

PLBTA: Thinking back to your first elected position, what motivated you to run for public office?
PS: As the owner of a small business, I’m the 3rd generation of my family’s printing company, I have been involved in my community and involved in groups like our local Chamber of Commerce and NFIB for many years. In those groups we followed our legislators’ votes on issues that were important to small businesses. I would send my letters on important issues and get form letters back. It became clear to me that my representation wasn’t actually listening to me. I was brought up that as a small business we should always give back to our communities and when this opportunity came I saw it as a perfect opportunity to give back to the community which has been so good to me and my family.

PLBTA: What made you particularly interested in chairing the Senate Law & Justice Committee?
PS: Alcohol policy is a place where I think the interests of small businesses really comes up against the government. Alcohol is a regulated industry and an industry that we rely on to provide us nearly 1 billion dollars in tax revenue. I wanted to ensure that our regulations and the management of our Liquor Control Board is being done in a way that is conducive to small businesses being able to flourish. As a senator from a rural district I am also very concerned about access and providing the service that our constituents expect. I also am extremely concerned about police matters and how it relates to our commonwealth, particularly in rural areas.

PLBTA: Our Members are mostly Mom-and-Pop operations. When they look around their hometowns, they can see that the local hardware store has closed, the independent doctor was bought out by a hospital chain, and the neighborhood grocery store is no more. They worry that their industry is next. Do you ever worry about small businesses going away?
PS: I do and I don’t. Of course, I see the trend towards national chains and am concerned that they spell the end of small businesses. However, I am a firm believer in the entrepreneurial spirit. I think that our small businesses are adapting to this trend and can provide the personal service and quality product that can overcome the trend towards national chains.

PLBTA: Do you have an agenda for the Law & Justice Committee this legislative session? Are there issues that you see as needing change in the system to make it more workable or efficient?
PS: I think that we need to ensure that the sectors of the alcohol industry have parity. We have seen tremendous success with the expansion of wine and beer and I think the next logical step is to look towards creating convenience for our spirits products as well. In the same sense I want to ensure that our PA based small businesses, who employs thousands in our commonwealth, are given the tools and flexibility they need to thrive.

PLBTA: Passage of Act 39 forced many changes in the retail liquor industry, with unintended consequences for many licensees.  Taverns are facing more competition than ever before.  Do you anticipate the Law & Justice Committee looking at the impacts of Act 39, and making any changes to help level the playing field for all licensees?
PS: One of the things I have learned about this area of the law is that when you change one thing it effects everyone in the industry. I am interested in hearing more about these concerns and working with licensees to either understand the intent of the law if it is something that does not have the necessary support to be changed and looking at ways to improve the overall business climate for all licensees.

PLBTA: One result of Act 39 has been delays in timely beer deliveries due to the expansion and universal availability of beer at large retailers and convenience stores, which were not in the beer business prior to the Act.  At times, bar owners find themselves out of supplies, but current law doesn’t allow tavern owners to pick up beer when they are short through no fault of their own.  Would you support legislation that would allow tavern owners to pick up limited amounts of brewed and malt beverages when they run out?
PS: I have been hearing a lot about the changes in the franchise law and understand that different areas are experiencing this law in different ways. I am interested in looking into this concept while ensuring that the products that are available to our consumers are the freshest and safest products available.

PLBTA: Bar owners often pay servers and bartenders through the wage-tip structure that guarantees minimum wage through a combination of a tavern hourly wage and tips. They often can make more … $15, $20, $25 per hour. This structure helps the small business and the employee. Governor Wolf wants to change minimum wage rules, possibly going as high as $15/hour and setting tipped minimum wages at 75% of the overall minimum.  Some worry that patrons will feel tipping is not necessary due to a higher wage. If this were to happen, it may actually cause servers and bartenders to make less. How do you feel about the wage-tip structure?
PS: I think the discussion around minimum wage is made to seem so simple. People need to make more therefore we should raise the wage and it will just happen. Unfortunately, if a large jump in the wage would occur it could have long ranging unintended consequences ranging from layoffs, to increase consumer prices to the scenario that you lay out in your question. That is why I wish the federal government would be leading the way on this so that all states were operating on the same level. I think this discussion needs to be handled with great caution and any changes need to be incremental and over time to allow everyone to adjust properly.

PLBTA: Everyone has their favorite restaurant, bar, or tavern. These establishments can be great places to gather with friends and family. Without specifically naming your favorite, what makes it so special that you keep going back? What stands out about it?
PS: I think these local establishments build a sense of togetherness and help make our communities stronger. These employees and business owners don’t just work in our community, they are a part of it. Anytime I’m at a youth sporting event chances are there are a few teams sponsored by a restaurant, bar or tavern. When I go to our community theater or a fundraiser for a nonprofit, you have ads in the program or are donating food or beverages. You usually are the first to be asked to support something and the first to step up and do so. I really prefer to support those kinds of establishments. Not to mention, the wings at my favorite establishment can’t be beat.

 

The above Q&A was republished from the July edition of Pennsylvania Observer, the official magazine of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association.

 

By in Latest News Comments Off on Pennsylvania Skill Responds to PLCB Email, Threatens Lawsuit

Pennsylvania Skill Responds to PLCB Email, Threatens Lawsuit

Almost as quickly as the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board issued an email to licensees concerning the legality of skill games, industry representatives responded back, demanding a retraction or face a lawsuit.

In a Pennsylvania Skill letter as a response to the PLCB email, Lou Miele wrote to operators, “This notice is DEAD Wrong with regard to Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill amusement devices and we will be taking appropriate legal actions against the PLCB to correct the record.”

The full letter reads …

Dear Operators,

As you may be aware, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) released a factually inaccurate email regarding skill games this morning. This notice is DEAD WRONG with regard to Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill amusement devices and we will be taking appropriate legal actions against the PLCB to correct the record. Click here to read a letter our attorney Matt Haverstick, Esq. sent to the PLCB’s legal counsel.

Furthermore, the PLCB confirmed that they WILL NOT be suspending licenses.

Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill amusement devices are legal and have been adjudicated by a Court of Common Pleas in Beaver County. Our legal status will not change unless there is another legal decision or the law is changed. As you are aware, our efforts have been ongoing as we work with state legislators to further regulate our industry and cement Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill’s legal status.

If the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Lottery or the PLCB harass you or your customers, state that you must remove of your Pace-O-Matic Pennsylvania Skill amusement devices or attempt to confiscate them, please contact the Compliance Team immediately by clicking here or calling 570-244-3123, ext. 5.

Pace-O-Matic and Miele Manufacturing stand behind our product and we stand 100% with you in protecting the Pennsylvania Skill market. We have retained top attorneys and they are on stand-by, ready to defend our devices at a moment’s notice. We would encourage you to share this email with your customers.

For the record, the PLCB’s email is correct with regard to illegal gambling devices in the marketplace that are masquerading as skill games. These devices should be removed. These gambling machines are illegal and they may be putting you or your customer’s liquor license at risk by having them in your establishments.

Thank you,

Lou Miele

Part of the letter sent to the PLCB from Mr. Haverstick of Kleinbard reads, “If you do not immediately correct your libelous assertion as to Pennsylvania Skill games, we will sue PLCB to force the retraction.”

The email from the PLCB and these communications from Pennsylvania Skill comes only days after a hearing held in Harrisburg in front of the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee on the issue. To read a story covering testimony from both sides, click here for a PennLive story.

 

 

 

By in Latest News Comments Off on Skill Games: PLCB sends email to licensees

Skill Games: PLCB sends email to licensees

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has sent licensees an email on June 12. The email concerns skills games.

The following is a copy of the email …

Subject: LCB notice to licensees re: skill games

Attention Licensee:

In light of recent news coverage regarding illegal gambling devices – games of skill popping up at bars, restaurants, convenience stores and other venues where players pay cash to play a game for a chance of winning cash prizes – the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board wanted to bring this matter to your attention as a retail liquor licensee.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Lottery, skill games are illegal in the commonwealth. As such, possessing or operating one or more of these machines on your licensed premises may be grounds for the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement to issue a citation against your license. While the PLCB cannot provide you with legal guidance as to whether a particular gaming machine is illegal, citations put your license at risk, both through the citation process and upon application for renewal to the PLCB.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board | Bureau of Licensing
Email: ra-lblicensing@pa.gov
lcb.pa.gov

This email comes two days after a three-hour hearing by the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee on skill games. During the hearing, testimony was given by those who view them as legal and by those who believe skill games are illegal. To read a story from PennLive on the hearing, click here.

 

 

By in Latest News Comments Off on Harrisburg Check-in with Rep. Jeffrey Pyle

Harrisburg Check-in with Rep. Jeffrey Pyle

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association sat down with Rep. Jeffrey Pyle recently to learn more about his perspective on the liquor industry, including Act 39 and the current political landscape ass the chair of the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee. He is also a Republican who serves District 60 (including parts of Armstrong, Butler, and Indiana counties).

PLBTA: Thinking back to your first elected position, what motivated you to run for a public position?
JP: I thought I could improve the lives of the people who lived here, and will keep trying.

PLBTA: What made you particularly interested in chairing the House Liquor Control Committee?
JP: It was the best of what was offered to me, and I felt that I had experience that would translate well.

PLBTA: Our Members are mostly Mom-and-Pop operations. When they look around their hometowns, they can see that the local hardware store has closed, the independent doctor was bought out by a hospital chain, and the neighborhood grocery store is no more. They worry that their industry is next. Do you ever worry about small businesses going away?
JP: I worry about small businesses not being able to adapt to changing markets. If all those old businesses cited faded away because they did the same things over and over, that should be a lesson to us all.

PLBTA: Do you have a Committee agenda for this legislative session? Are there issues that you see as needing change in the system to make it more workable or efficient?
JP: Act 39 was a profound change in how PA buys its beer. With the act, being so new, there have been unintended consequences. Dealing with those unintended consequences is my agenda. We deal with those as they arise, and frequently, they come from business. We are always open to listening and to trying to fix problems.  What people need to realize is that Act 39 is not going away. It is not productive to just snipe at Act 39 all the time. Give us solutions that you need. That is where we come in.

PLBTA: Passage of Act 39 forced many changes in the retail liquor industry, with unintended consequences for many licensees. Taverns are facing more competition than ever before. Do you anticipate the Liquor Control Committee looking at the impacts of that legislation and making changes to help level the playing field for all licensees?
JP: Again, Act 39 is not going away, and we keep an open-door policy for anyone in the liquor business. If they have specific solutions other than “Act 39 sucks,” I am willing to listen.

PLBTA: One result of Act 39 has been delays in timely beer deliveries due to the expansion and universal availability of beer at large retailers and convenience stores, which were not in the beer business prior to the Act. At times, bar owners find themselves out of supplies, but current law doesn’t allow tavern owners to pick up beer when they are short through no fault of their own. Would you support legislation that would allow tavern owners to pick up limited amounts of brewed and malt beverages when they run out?
JP: Yes, I would, and in fact, that is a piece of legislation that we are currently developing. It is because of issues like this that it is good to have an open relationship with the Tavern Association because this idea came directly from them.

PLBTA: Bar owners often pay servers and bartenders through the wage-tip structure that guarantees minimum wage through a combination of a tavern hourly wage and tips. They often can make more … $15, $20, $25 per hour. This structure helps the small business and the employee. Governor Wolf wants to change minimum wage rules, possibly going as high as $15/hour. Some worry that patrons will feel tipping is not necessary due to a higher wage. If this were to happen, it may actually cause servers and bartenders to make less. How do you feel about the wage-tip structure?
JP: I am fine with how wages and tips are structured. Increasing the minimum wage will have a devastating effect on tavern owners. I will not be voting for a raise in the minimum wage.

PLBTA: Everyone has their favorite restaurant, bar, or tavern. These establishments can be great places to gather with friends and family. Without specifically naming your favorite, what makes it so special that you keep going back? What stands out about it?
JP: Food, friends, and atmosphere is what keeps me going back to my local bars and taverns.

The above Q&A was republished from the June 2019 edition of Pennsylvania Observer, the official magazine of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association.

 

By in Latest News Comments Off on Rebate Program Registration Instructions

Rebate Program Registration Instructions

Instructions for finalizing participation in cash back / rebate program through the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association via Dining Alliance

Please note that there is no membership fee from Dining Alliance to take advantage of this cash-back / rebate program. While some group purchasing organizations (GPOs) require a membership fee, no one from Dining Alliance will ask you for a membership fee.

  1. Go to my.diningalliance.com.
  2. On the first screen, click on “Signup.”
  3. On the second screen, click “I’m a new member.”
  4. On third screen, click “restaurant.”
  5. On the fourth screen in the box that reads “Sales Rep” enter our representative “Graham Chateauneuf”
  6. Following this is “Channel Partner” box, simply type “Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association.”
  7. Then complete all other areas and screens. On the last screen, you’ll see a thank you note from Dining Alliance. Once Dining Alliance has processed your information, they will send an activation link to your email.
  8. When your account has been activated via link mentioned above, Graham will reach out to describe utilization price trending features and savings opportunities.

It will take about 6-9 months to start receiving rebate checks for establishments that tend to order at a higher level through a distributor. Some establishments may take longer. If rebate totals are more than $1,000 per quarter, you should receive a quarterly check. If rebate totals for any quarter are less than $1,000, Dining Alliance will roll over rebates to the next quarter until the figure is at least $1,000.

If you purchase from retail locations such as Restaurant Depot, Costco … etc., unfortunately, Dining Alliance will not be able to find you rebates. This program will help you attain rebates from distributor networks, not retail.

As a rule of thumb, you should anticipate about ½ percent return on your distributor orders. Some rebates may be higher depending what you order.

All of us at the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association are happy to bring you this service via Dining Alliance. We hope the few minutes you spend completing the electronic registration form via the instructions above helps you with your business by getting cash back from your distributor orders.

By in Latest News Comments Off on PLBTA Tip: The Cost of Overpouring

PLBTA Tip: The Cost of Overpouring

Inevitably, it happens. A bartender makes a drink a little stronger than it should be. Maybe it’s an accident. Maybe it’s intentional. Regardless, it should be avoided.

Overpouring can cause more than one problem, and, in general, you can lump overpouring issues into one of three areas.

  1. Back-end Business Math
  2. Loss Sales Opportunities
  3. Marketing Death Ray

 

Cost to business

High on the list to anyone operating a bar is the impact of overpouring on the business. A lack of portion control can squeeze profits tighter.

Possibly you have a bartender looking for bigger tips through stronger drinks. Or maybe they’re playing up a friend or favorite customer. Possibly, they don’t have the right tools to properly pour the correct amount.

Whatever the reason, tavern owners should demand the perfect pour from their bartenders. Consider the following:

Let’s pretend a bottle of liquor costs your business $27 to purchase, or 80 cents per ounce. Now, let’s pretend that you sell a mixed drink for $10 and there is a one-ounce overpour of liquor when making that drink. If that happens every time, you’ll have a revenue loss of 48 percent on that bottle.

Using this example, you should be able to make 33 mixed drinks from that liquor bottle. Overpouring just one ounce per drink brings that figure down to 16. In this case, overpouring decreases a potential $330 to just $160 before you pull out the next bottle to use.

 

Loss Sales Opportunities

Not only will you make less per bottle as a result of overpours, but it’s well known that stronger drinks decrease the number of drinks a patron orders. This is essentially a double-whammy! The tavern loses the opportunity to make an extra sale because the responsible drinker is worried about the amount of alcohol in a drink, and how it may impact them when they leave the bar.

 

Marketing Death Ray

Word-of-mouth advertising is one of the most important marketing tools you have. Nothing will hurt you more than if a customer tells his friends that your drinks are too strong to enjoy. Similarly, underpouring can also be a marketing death ray.

 

What should a tavern owner do?

Responsible tavern owners want to provide the best environment for their patrons. That includes pouring the perfect drink that tastes just right. Consider the following to avoid overpours:

  • Have the right tools – jiggers, measured pouring spouts, and other precision tools are worth the money
  • Technology – automated systems may cost money, but can make you money too
  • Training – bartenders need skills. Help them with their skills.
  • Business math – keep an eye on inventory and compare it to sales
  • Staffing – hire trustworthy people

 

 

 

 

 

 

By in Latest News Comments Off on How Millennials Influence the Bar and Tavern Industry

How Millennials Influence the Bar and Tavern Industry

Possible profits for bar owners may now be coming from millennials, the largest US demographic1. Recent statistics show that millennials choose to go out to bars and taverns more frequently and spend more for alcohol on premise than older generations2. Finding ways to cater to their needs could lead to even healthier business. Speaking of healthy…

Health Conscious Millennials
Preferring to keep themselves fit, millennials gravitate towards healthier food and beverage options. Bartenders can take advantage of this by creating new, low calorie drinks in addition to their regular cocktails. Millennials are attracted to innovative ideas such as low-proof spirits and are more likely to frequent establishments that offer them2. Plus, because these distinct drinks are still specially made, bar owners can charge a price close to that of a standard cocktail.

New Type of Culture
Lifestyle is a key component of the millennial generation and includes everything from clothing to dining and even beverages. Millennials drink as a form of communicating their “identity” and are willing to pay extra for it2. They are drawn towards a variety of beverage types from beer to vodka to mixed drinks to cider, but find any new cocktail concoction to be the most appealing2. Most millennials see trendsetting as part of their “identity”, giving their business to bars that continue to infuse their menus with fresh choices.

Meeting up in groups at taverns has also become a popular activity among millennials. Open to the prospect of unique cocktails and meals, they are turning a “night out at the bar” into a warm, food-and-drink-consuming experience3. The more engaging bar and tavern owners make this experience, the more millennials may increase their stay and, most importantly, the amount of money they spend. Cheers!

 

This article is written by Robert Falvo.

SOURCES:

  1. Source: CNN Library, American Generation Fast Facts, 9/4/18, cnn.com
  2. Source: Harry Hoyer, Millennials Think Before They Drink, 8/18/17, Nielsen.com
  3. Source: Taphunter, How Bars and Restaurants Can Appeal to Millennials in the Age of Netflix, 3/23/18, taphunter.com

By in Latest News Comments Off on Bid Deadline for PLCB Auction of Expired Restaurant Licenses Fast Approaching

Bid Deadline for PLCB Auction of Expired Restaurant Licenses Fast Approaching

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) reminds interested parties that bids for 25 expired restaurant licenses in the upcoming license auction are due by noon Monday, March 25.

This auction includes one license in each of the following 25 counties: Berks, Blair, Bucks, Clearfield, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Huntingdon, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Sullivan, Venango, Wayne, and Westmoreland.

The eighth auction will again use a sealed bid process, which has so far resulted in winning bids on 235 licenses offered in previous auctions. Bids will be opened Thursday, March 28, and auction winners will be determined soon thereafter.

The minimum bid for each license is $25,000, and each bid must be accompanied by a bid surety of $5,000 or 5 percent of the total bid amount – whichever is higher – to avoid frivolous and underfunded bids.

The highest responsive bidder for each license will win the right to submit an application for the license to the PLCB within six months of auction award. If bid payment is not received within two weeks of auction award, the second-highest bidder will have the opportunity to apply for the license. Bids will be held in escrow by the PLCB, pending approval of the license application.

Lists of winning bids from each of the seven previous auctions are available on the license auction page of the PLCB website. Auction revenue recognized thus far from all previous auctions totals $25.1 million, while another $3.9 million remains in escrow, pending license approvals.

The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates more than 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. Taxes and store profits – totaling $16.5 billion since the agency’s inception – are returned to Pennsylvania’s General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state. For more information about the PLCB, visit lcb.pa.gov.

 

 

By in Latest News Comments Off on Essential Tips for running a successful bar

Essential Tips for running a successful bar

Wikimedia photo

Keeping your bar running successfully requires great effort. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you are operating efficiently and keeping your customers coming back.

1. Keep Drinks Fully Stocked And Conserved
Having your bar properly supplied to always meet demand may seem like a costly endeavor, however there is a simple solution. By keeping track of what your customers are drinking, as well as the types of alcohol that are most popular, you will be able to adjust your drink stock orders accordingly. You end up spending less money on alcohol that is not requested as frequently.

Also, properly measuring the amount of alcohol you serve helps prevent wasteful overpouring. There are many tools to assist in your alcohol conservation, such as measured pourers and jiggers.

2. Be Creative
Fixing a drink at home is much cheaper than going out, so providing customers with a unique experience in addition to the beverages is key. Stand out from the competition by offering something new and different. Create signature cocktails and fun food and drink specials that show off your bartenders’ creativity. And, don’t forget to utilize a “bar’s best bet” where the name says it all: Happy hours. From there, you can parlay that enjoyment into hosting events such as trivia nights, speed dating, karaoke, open mic nights, sports parties and more. Once you have a creative plan, getting the word out should be your next step. The most efficient method for doing so is through social media, a great way to connect with your customers and be a part of the community. By setting up profiles on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, you end up reaching many in a matter of seconds.

3. Point of Sale System (POS)
To properly keep track of transactions and organize orders, an electronic POS system is a must-have. It helps ensure a smooth communication of customer tabs between the waitstaff, bartender, and kitchen. A POS system also affords bar managers a firm grasp on inventory management, cash flow and data.

4. Protect Yourself with Liquor Liability Coverage
When your business centers on serving alcohol, the potential for risk can be significant. Taking proper steps to keep your bar protected is extremely important. Liquor liability coverage helps to defend your bar against increased insurance costs and even losing your business. It is also critical to have your staff effectively educated through an established alcohol training resource such as the Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) to educate and prepare them to deal with safety issues. For more information on getting the right bar insurance coverage, visit our preferred vendor Illinois Casualty Company, by clicking here.

In the competitive bar industry, increasing efficiencies, promoting customer events and having the right insurance coverage can lead to a successful business. Cheers!

This PLBTA Tip was written by Robert Falvo on behalf of the PLBTA.