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By in Latest News Comments Off on Statement: Senate Law & Justice Moves Bill To Improve Liquor Code Related To End-Of-Life Celebrations

Statement: Senate Law & Justice Moves Bill To Improve Liquor Code Related To End-Of-Life Celebrations

Bill would make it easier to provide full catering services at funeral luncheons, dinners

The following is a quote from Chuck Moran, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PaTaverns), regarding today’s Pennsylvania Senate Law & Justice Committee vote on HB 467. HB 467 addresses an issue within the hospitality industry related to off-premise catering permits and 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This bill is part of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association’s 2025-26 legislative agenda to address outdated liquor codes that handcuff small business bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants.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, the Pennsylvania Senate Law & Justice Committee moved HB 467 with no member voting against the bill. Sponsored by Rep. Dan Deasy, this bill would ease notification requirements bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants with an off-premise catering permit (OPCP) must file in order to provide full catering services to grieving families hosting funeral luncheons and dinners.

Current liquor code requires off-premise catering permit holders to provide both law enforcement and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board with advanced notice when using the permit at an off-site location. The PLCB requires 14 days’ notice, while local police and liquor control enforcement must be given 7 days’ notice.

This has been historically problematic when it comes to funeral luncheons and dinners as it’s not unusual for an individual to pass away and have a funeral all in the same week.

HB 467 would change the liquor code by providing an exemption for end-of-life off-premise catered events by allowing a 24-hour notice to the PLCB and local police.

This part of the liquor code currently makes little sense, and needs to be updated. Pennsylvania has not made it easy for grieving families wishing to hire full catering services through a licensed establishment. This simple change will help grieving families while improving the business climate for small business bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association’s Board of Directors has been lobbying for this change since last fall, when Board Member Michelle Ritter, owner of Willow Street Pub in Coplay and the holder of an OPCP, described the problem to Rep. Deasy during a meeting. Ritter described the unfortunate situation when trying to help grieving families based upon her personal experience.

Since then, Senate L&J Chair Dan Laughlin has championed the issue in the Senate, issuing a co-sponsorship memo on the issue.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association thanks Senator Laughlin for his interest in this issue. Our Association also thanks Democrat Chair Wayne Fontana as well as all members of the committee.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association encourages the Pennsylvania State Senate to take up this issue in a timely manner.

 

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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 after Prohibition 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 www.pataverns.com or follow the Association on Twitter via @TavernPA.

By in Latest News Comments Off on Security Cameras and Liability Insurance

Security Cameras and Liability Insurance

Security cameras can prove the business acted appropriately during an altercation, potential sale to a minor, refusing service to an intoxicated patron, or the legitimacy of a slip and fall.

Most liability insurance carriers do not offer premium credit to recognize the advantage of properly utilizing security cameras. One company that does make such an offer is Illinois Casualty Company (ICC). This insurer has found that recorded images can greatly reduce claims handling costs when establishing the innocence of the insured. The company passes this cost savings on to those who use security cameras and save the recorded images.

Licensees are strongly encouraged to use cameras both inside and outside the premises. Licensees are also encouraged to keep recorded images for the statute of limitations in their state, generally for up to two years. With new technology and cloud access, this storage ability is attainable and will help protect businesses if a claim should arise.

Security Camera Tips:

  • Keep footage as long as possible, ideally for at least two years in Pennsylvania
  • Place interior cameras not only above your cash register and front door, but down hallways, seating areas, exits, and dance floors
  • Place exterior cameras facing doors, exits, beer gardens, and if possible, covering as much of the parking lot as possible
  • If the police request camera footage, give them a copy of the footage and keep the original for yourself and your insurance carrier

 

Editor’s Note: ICC is the exclusive preferred liability insurance company of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association. If any of our Members are already insured by ICC and have security cameras installed on their premises, contact your ICC agent to make sure you are receiving the premium credit. If you are not with ICC, consider getting an ICC quote through on our of preferred insurance agents that can be found at https://pataverns.com/preferred-vendors/.  Or visit www.ilcasco.com/find-an-agent to locate an ICC agent in your area.

 

 

By in Latest News Comments Off on PaHouse Passes Bill To Change Liquor Code, Helping Grieving Families, Small Business Taverns

PaHouse Passes Bill To Change Liquor Code, Helping Grieving Families, Small Business Taverns

Bill would make it easier to provide full catering services at funeral luncheons, dinners

The following is a quote from Chuck Moran, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PaTaverns), regarding today’s Pennsylvania House of Representatives vote on HB 467. HB 467 addresses an issue within the hospitality industry related to off-premise catering permits and 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, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed HB 467 by a vote of 200-3. Sponsored by Rep. Dan Deasy, this bill would ease notification requirements bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants with an off-premise catering permit (OPCP) must file in order to provide full catering services to grieving families hosting funeral luncheons and dinners.

Current liquor code requires off-premise catering permit holders to provide both law enforcement and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board with advanced notice when using the permit at an off-site location. The PLCB requires 14 days’ notice, while local police and liquor control enforcement must be given 7 days’ notice.

This has been historically problematic when it comes to funeral luncheons and dinners as it’s not unusual for an individual to pass away and have a funeral all in the same week.

HB 467 would change the liquor code by providing an exemption for end-of-life off-premise catered events by allowing a 24-hour notice to the PLCB and local police.

Pennsylvania has made it difficult for grieving families to hire full catering services through a licensed establishment due to the requirement to notify the PLCB 14 days in advance. This simple change makes sense and helps grieving families while improving the business climate for small business bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association’s Board of Directors met with Rep. Deasy last fall, raising awareness of the issue. During that meeting, Michelle Ritter, owner of Willow Street Pub in Coplay and the holder of an OPCP, described the issue to Rep. Deasy based upon her personal experiences in trying to help grieving families with memorial events.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association thanks Speaker of the House Rep. Joanna McClinton for her efforts to move this bill in a timely manner. In addition, the Association thanks Rep. Deasy for his sponsorship, while also thanking the full House for its overwhelming and bi-partisan vote.

Our Association encourages the Pennsylvania State Senate to take up this issue in a timely manner.

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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 after Prohibition 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 www.pataverns.com or follow the Association on Twitter via @TavernPA.
By in Latest News Comments Off on 2025 PLBTA Summer Conference

2025 PLBTA Summer Conference

PLBTA Summer Conference
July 14, 2025
Hosted by the Racehorse Tavern (738 N. Biesecker Road, Thomasville, Pa.)

This is a free event for Members of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association. Seating is limited to 60 attendees. Please be sure to register online at at https://form.jotform.com/250704702900144 or by sending an email to pataverns@pataverns.com. If using email, include your name, number of attendees, name of establishment, and phone number.

  • 10 a.m. Welcome Address (Chuck Moran, PLBTA, and Jim DeLisio, Racehorse Tavern)
  • 10:15 a.m. Get Your Questions Answered — PLCB Wholesale Division: As a licensee, you order plenty of liquor from the state. You probably have questions. Representatives of the PLCB Wholesale Team will take your questions during this informative Q&A session
  • 11:00 a.m. PLCB Mixer and Break
  • 11:15 a.m. Liquor Liability: Learn what industry specialists with Hospitality Risk Consultants are seeing when it comes to protecting your establishment
  • Noon HRC Mixer, Break with refreshments
  • 12:30 p.m. Inside Baseball Legislative Session and Impact Lobbying: Learn from PLBTA Lobbyists, Board Members, and Staff what is happening in Harrisburg that could affect your establishment, strategies used to lobby, and your role as a Member
  • 1:15 p.m. Working With Pennsylvania Distilleries To Order Supplies: Licensees have an option of buying directly from Pennsylvania-based distilleries that have a limited distillery license. Learn more about the benefits of doing so from an industry specialist with Holla Spirits.
  • 2 p.m. Networking hour: Meet with your colleagues and preferred vendors while you enjoy light refreshments before departing
  • 3 p.m. End of Conference

Other Summer Conference Activities

  • Taste samples from Holla Spirits
  • With VGTs and Skill Games heating up at the State Capital, meeting with a representative of J&J Gaming to learn more about their products and services

Don’t forget to register in advance. Seating is limited. Registration at https://form.jotform.com/250704702900144

By in Latest News Comments Off on HB 467 Statement: Proposed Liquor Code Change Makes Sense To Help Grieving Families, Small Business Taverns

HB 467 Statement: Proposed Liquor Code Change Makes Sense To Help Grieving Families, Small Business Taverns

Bill moves out of Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee

The following is a quote from Chuck Moran, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PaTaverns), regarding today’s Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee vote on HB 467. HB 467 addresses an issue within the hospitality industry related to off-premise catering permits and 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, the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee moved HB 467 with all committee members voting in favor. Sponsored by Rep. Dan Deasy, chair of the committee, this bill would make it easier for bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants with an off-premise catering permit (OPCP) to provide full services to help grieving families with funeral luncheons and dinners.

Current liquor code requires off-premise catering permit holders to provide both law enforcement and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board with advanced notice when using the permit at an off-site location. The PLCB requires 14 days’ notice, while local police and liquor control enforcement must be given 7 days’ notice.

Most of the time for events like weddings and awards banquets, this is reasonable. However, for funerals, it can be impossible.

In his co-sponsorship memo, Rep. Deasy wrote, “Unfortunately, many times these events occur in less time than 7 days and do not allow the opportunity for a business to provide its full service or it creates scheduling obstacles for families.”

HB 467 would change the liquor code by providing an exemption for end-of-life off-premise catered events by allowing a 24-hour notice to the PLCB and local police.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association’s Board of Directors met with Rep. Deasy last fall, raising awareness of the issue. During that meeting, Michelle Ritter, owner of Willow Street Pub in Coplay and the holder of an OPCP, described the issue to Rep. Deasy based upon her personal experiences in trying to help grieving families.

This proposed liquor code change makes sense. It will reduce stress grieving families face after watching a loved one pass. And, it opens the door for many small business bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants to provide more services within their communities.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association thanks Rep. Deasy for hearing our concerns and taking action. We also thank the members of the House Liquor Control Committee, including Rep Mindy Fee, Republican Chair, for their bipartisan support. Our Association encourages the full House of Representatives to quickly move this bill.

 

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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 after Prohibition 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 www.pataverns.com or follow the Association on Twitter via @TavernPA.

By in Latest News Comments Off on Balancing Fun and Safety: Best Practices for Happy Hour Management

Balancing Fun and Safety: Best Practices for Happy Hour Management

 

Amanda Fagan

Amanda Fagan

By Amanda Fagan, MSMI, CIC, CISR
Illinois Casualty Company
Loss Control West Team Leader

Imagine if every hour could be happy at your favorite bar and grill, not just 4:00 – 6:00, Monday through Thursday. It sounds like fun but could become dangerous.

Incorporating happy hour or daily drink specials to be enjoyed in a reasonable manner can draw in customers and encourage them to spend more at your establishment. While a happy hour with friends after work is intended to be a way to relax and loosen the tie, there are instances where happy hour drinks have led to over consumption, visible intoxication, and even death.

At Illinois Casualty Company, we consider the state laws and regulations to determine reasonable sales and service standards. As the Loss Control Team and Underwriters review accounts with onsite inspections and social media searches, we look for specials that are not deeply discounted, free, or excessive in nature.

While happy hours are generally limited to short periods of time, it is important to follow state liquor laws and serve responsibly. Deep discounts such as $1 shots, 2-for-1 cocktails, $1 beers, and progressive drink specials should be a thing of the past. Financially, these prices do not provide the best return on investment, and employees may feel pressured to serve more to make up the difference. These deep discounts can cause harm to the patrons and staff with excessive consumption.

A new trend that can be seen in restaurants is Happy/Appy Hours. This concept offers a slight discount on beverages, including mocktails, and on appetizers or small plates. Now more than ever, patrons are looking for great deals and a great time. Happy/Appy hours can be an enticing incentive to attract more business.

Providing the proper training for selling and serving alcohol is essential. Following procedures to monitor consumption and offering limited hours for discounts will ensure patrons can continue having a great time without endangering themselves or others.

Offering only a slight discount and including food specials and non-alcoholic beverages may be a better option to draw in business at different times of the day and may appeal to a broader audience.

If you have questions on whether a happy hour promotion would be considered excessive in nature, reach out to your ICC agent. If you aren’t with ICC, you can find an agent in your area at www.ilcasco.com. Alcohol server training and more are available through ICC’s partner in safety education, Katkin, at www.katkinco.com.

 

Editor’s Note: Illinois Casualty Company is the exclusive preferred vendor of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association for liquor liability insurance. At ICC, qualifying PLBTA Members can save up to 10% on their businessowners and liquor liability insurance. To find out more about their insurance programs and to locate an agent in your area, visit https://www.ilcasco.com/insurance-programs.

By in Latest News Comments Off on PaTaverns Congratulates New PLCB Chair Darrell Clarke

PaTaverns Congratulates New PLCB Chair Darrell Clarke

The following is a statement from Chuck Moran, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PaTaverns), regarding today’s announcement from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board concerning Darrell Clarke being named its new chair.

 

Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Darrell Clarke has been named the new chair of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), replacing Tim Holden, who recently retired at the end of his term.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PaTaverns) congratulates Mr. Clarke on his new role at the PLCB, and also wishes Mr. Holden the very best.

PaTaverns has had a solid relationship with the PLCB through Mr. Holden’s leadership, and we look forward to the same type of relationship as Mr. Clarke takes over. Already, we’ve worked directly with Mr. Clarke through the Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force during a hearing that he led. You can read my testimony in front of Mr. Clarke’s task force by clicking here.

Our Association advocates for best practices and rights within the industry as well as best experiences for patrons of our Member establishments. We know Mr. Clarke is a proven leader and a skilled statesman. We fully believe he will provide the right leadership to industry oversight, offering fairness and balance in decision making while helping to safely advance Pennsylvania’s licensed establishments.

PaTaverns looks forward to working with Mr. Clarke and his team at the PLCB.

 

# # #

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 after Prohibition 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 www.pataverns.com or follow the Association on Twitter via @TavernPA.

By in Latest News Comments Off on Ways to Mitigate Weather-Related Hazards at Your Bar

Ways to Mitigate Weather-Related Hazards at Your Bar

by Illinois Casualty Company, Loss Control Team

Power outages

  • Arrange a freezer / refrigeration truck
  • Power generator
  • Keep coolers and freezers closed

Flooding

  • Installation of French drain or sump pumps in basement – keep maintained
  • Keep perishable food storage elevated

Winter-related issues

  • Keep parking lots and sidewalks shoveled and salted
  • Warning signage near entrance and parking lot (slippery when wet, watch for falling snow and ice, watch your step, etc.)

Thunderstorms

  • Keep combustible materials away from the building
  • Disconnect electrical equipment (if possible)
  • Keep trees trimmed
  • Secure outdoor objects
  • Install impact resistant windows, reinforced doors and shutters
  • Keep roof maintained (repair as needed)

Miscellaneous situations

  • Inspect exterior (parking lot, sidewalks, building) at different times of the year and weather events. This can determine a number of different issues.
    • Where patrons typically park and walk
    • The location of public egress and ingress points
    • Identify cracks and potholes
    • Determine the location of snow drifts, ice accumulation, snow pack or other snow removal issues
    • Examine the condition of downspouts
    • Check for buildup of dried leaves in gutters
  • Keep updated copies (off site) of important documents, including photos of equipment, appliances, and inventory
  • Keep a list of all contractors and suppliers in the event of a severe weather emergency
  • Pre-plan procedures in the event of an emergency and make sure employees know their roles and responsibilities
  • Make sure emergency lighting is installed and operating properly

 

Editor’s Note: Illinois Casualty Company is the exclusive preferred vendor of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association for liquor liability insurance. Qualifying Members can save up to 10% on their businessowners and liquor liability insurance. To find out more about insurance programs from Illinois Casualty Company and to locate an agent in your area, visit www.ilcasco.com/insurance-programs.

 

By in Latest News Comments Off on Fire Safety Tips

Fire Safety Tips

By Michelle Crowe, Head of Safety Education
Illinois Casualty Company

By following these tips and being proactive in fire prevention, restaurant owners and kitchen staff can significantly reduce the risk of kitchen fires. Remember, prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a devastating fire.

Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and keep your restaurant kitchen safe.

EDUCATION
Educate staff on:

  • where to find extinguishers and how to use them
  • where to locate all exits in case of fire
  • the importance of cleaning, especially greasy equipment and surfaces
  • how to activate the hood system (manual pull station, just in case)

EQUIPMENT
Ensure all equipment is regularly inspected and well maintained. Malfunctioning kitchen equipment, such as stoves, ovens, and deep fryers are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires. Grease traps can be not only a fire hazard, but also a slip hazard.

OILY RAGS
Oily/greasy towels should be stored in a metal container with a lid. They should be laundered by a professional service. Oily/greasy towels can spontaneously combust in laundry bags or the dryer!

FIRE SUPPRESSION
There are strict regulations for maintaining fire suppression systems. These regulations include regular cleaning and servicing. You MUST comply to avoid potential legal issues or fines and, most importantly, to be sure your systems are ready to function as intended if there is a fire. Failure to clean and maintain systems could result in a fire loss that is not insured.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Work with your local fire department and create an emergency action plan that outlines what to do in case of fire. Review the plan regularly with your staff. Many fire departments offer free training for fire prevention and emergency preparedness.

 

Illinois Casualty Company is the Exclusive Preferred Vendor for liquor liability and business insurance. Qualifying Members can save up to 10% on their businessowners and liquor liability insurance. To find out more about these insurance programs and to locate an agent in your area, visit www.ilcasco.com/insurance-programs.

By in Latest News Comments Off on Testimony: Philadelphia’s Stop-and-Go Problem

Testimony: Philadelphia’s Stop-and-Go Problem

Chuck Moran, Executive Director

Provided by Chuck Moran, Executive Director
Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association
On July 16, 2024
In front of the Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force

Senator Williams. Members of the Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force, thank you for inviting the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association to provide testimony on a concerning issue for the City of Philadelphia. That issue is what we all know as “Stop and Go’s.” We commend the chair and members for taking this problem seriously and working to do something to take state action to get these places under control, and closed where appropriate.

The PLBTA, often just called the Pennsylvania Tavern Association, represents Pennsylvania’s small business, family-owned taverns, bars, and licensed restaurants, and have Philadelphia members in neighborhoods from Eastwick to Somerton and in between. Part of our mission is education and training for members to help them run the most efficient, legal and safe establishments possible. We take that mission seriously.

Thankfully, we can’t say that we see Stop and Go types of businesses across the state. In fact, we only hear complaints in Philadelphia. And, in a nutshell, these are businesses, often a convenience store or deli, that somehow found a way to qualify for and purchase a liquor license.

As you know, having 300 square feet of “serving space,” food prep on site and seating and chairs for 30 people are the minimum requirements for an E license to sell beer and malt beverages. That by itself isn’t a problem. Across Pennsylvania there are convenience stores like Sheetz and Rutters that have liquor licenses, are not problematic, and run respectable businesses.

The establishments that we are talking about today often do not meet all of these requirements to hold either an E or an R liquor license – such as the seating – are sometimes associated with crime, and simply put are nuisances to the community. Furthermore, it’s not unusual to find health and safety issues within the business despite the requirement that they have current and valid health licenses.

Frankly, the negative things happening inside and outside these establishments act like a magnet to bring the wrong crowds.

All of that makes any honest licensee scratch their head and wonder why these businesses are allowed to operate … either with our without a liquor license.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association is concerned that these problematic businesses are giving all of us a black eye. And, we want them stopped.

But, as this committee knows, we are not the PLCB. We are not Liquor Control Enforcement. So, we can’t take their licenses away. That has to be done through others. And, in defense of the PLCB and LCE, they sometimes have their hands tied due to state laws and procedures that they must follow.

However, we can reaffirm our promise to you, Chairman, to work with you and help you lobby for changes in the liquor code that make sense, clean up Philadelphia, and don’t cause collateral damage to honest establishments across the state.

But let me add that this issue clearly goes beyond the liquor code. And changes to the liquor code by themselves won’t be the remedy to fix it. You can easily track this issue via Google back at least 8 years. During that time span, you can see the discussions and efforts taken to fix it.

We believe that resolving this issue will require looking at other aspects within the City neighborhoods that contribute to the problem. Community health, crime, and illegal drugs are some things to consider within the conversation. Likely, a true solution will also involve Philadelphia local policing as well as community health and treatment options may also be part of the solution.

Let’s face facts … today, the PLCB already has special arrangements with the City of Philadelphia for police patrols at the state’s liquor stores. The PLCB pays a lot of money for this arrangement with the local police. We all know that state stores only sell liquor to go. Yet, they appear worried about potential crime. Possibly those police patrols are key.

With all that said, as an Association, outside of lobbying for change, there is one other thing we can do immediately to help you. We don’t want these businesses as Members of our Association. We would invite you to provide a list of such establishments that we can use when we review member applications.

Again, we thank you for inviting the Tavern Association to be a part of the conversation on this important matter, and we renew our pledge to continue working with the Task Force, the General Assembly and the PLCB to get action directed to stopping the problems associated with these Stop-And-Go’s.