The following Summer maintenance tips are suggested by Illinois Casualty Company to help Pennsylvania bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants. Take advantage of the warm summer months to get your business ahead on maintenance for the year.

Check Security Cameras
Make sure they’re reliable and placed properly, both indoors and outdoors.

Inspect Outside Your Building
Look for slip, trip, and fall hazards outside but also check for any upcoming maintenance items. Any repairs should be made before cold weather and winter storms.

Clear Cigarette Butts
Remove cigarette butts from any smoking areas to alleviate a fire hazard. This also keeps your premises looking neater.

Replace Smoke and CO Detector Batteries
Do this twice a year to be confident everything is working in case of a fire or emergency. Install new detectors if needed.

Check Patio and Deck Areas
With more customers outside, it’s crucial that patios and decks are safe. Replace any splintered or uneven boards, look for loose concrete pavers, and make sure handrails are sturdy.

Check All Outlets
Do an electrical check of all outlets, indoors or outdoors. Eliminate the use of multi-unit gang plugs and extension cords to prevent fire hazards.

Do a Perimeter Walk
Walk the entire perimeter and grounds of your business, including through the parking lot, to check for any lingering hazards or maintenance issues.

Secure Canopies and Tents
Double check canopies, tents, or awnings to make sure they’re tethered in place. If they aren’t, they could cause injuries or property damage.

Inspect Doorway Thresholds
Loose screws or rotten boards cause safety hazards. Make sure everything is sturdy and in place, especially on the stairs.

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Illinois Casualty Company is the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association’s exclusive preferred vendor for liquor liability insurance. To learn more or to find an agent near you, click here.

By Glen Norton
Loss Control East Team Leader
Illinois Casualty Company

A recent trend in the food and beverage industry is to allow dogs to accompany their owners when they grab a bite or enjoy a drink on the outdoor patio. This pet-friendly policy is a great way to attract more customers but is also a way to attract an increased risk to your liability policy.

In some states, a dog owner can be liable for dog bites. A business hosting a dog and its owner could face claims of negligence and premises liability if the dog bites a customer.

Consider the following example: on a hot summer day at a popular bar and grill with a large outdoor patio, a man brought his German Shepard to the pet-friendly establishment. While on-site, a 9-year-old boy, who was there with his family, came up to the man and asked if he could pet the dog. The man agreed, and the boy pet the dog without incident.

A short time later, the 9-year-old and his family got up to leave, and the boy decided he wanted to pet the dog one more time. This time when the boy approached, the dog lunged at the boy and bit his face. The bite broke the skin and caused damage to the boy’s face near his eye.

The police were called, the dog was taken away, and the parents of the 9-year-old boy blamed both the dog owner and the establishment for the incident. A lawsuit was filed against our insured for allowing the dog on-site, alleging that they should have known of the dog’s vicious propensities. Eventually, the lawsuit was settled through mediation.

In situations like these, there are several defenses that can be used:

• The dog was not knowingly aggressive and did not pose a threat to customers.
• The bite victim was trespassing.
• The bite victim provoked the dog.

From a loss control perspective, the only way to prevent all dog bite claims is to not allow dogs on the premises. Since this will likely be unacceptable for some business owners, there are a few things they can do to reduce the likelihood of an incident:

• Signage should be posted that this is a pet-friendly establishment.
• When a dog is present, train your staff to assess the environment at that time. Is it hot outside? Is the area busy and loud? These are all factors that could make a normally friendly dog stress out and become aggressive.
• The size of the dog does not necessarily mean that it is safe. Some of the smaller dogs can be the most aggressive.
• Keep in mind that some pet owners may not act responsibly and will bring a dog on-site that is not properly socialized and may be unsafe around strangers.
• Dogs should always remain on a leash.
• If an employee notices an aggressive dog, they should ask the customer to leave immediately and document the incident.

Are you still not convinced of the perils of allowing pets in food and beverage establishments? Complete a quick Google search of “dog bite at a restaurant”, and you will find at least four incidents in the last year. In each of those situations, the pet owner and establishment could be held liable.

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Illinois Casualty Company is the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association’s exclusive preferred insurer for liquor liability insurance. ICC’s Loss Control Specialists are experienced in minimizing risk and implementing outdoor safety. To learn more or to find an agent, click here.

(Harrisburg, Pa. / May 9, 2025) Two leading statewide liquor industry associations have declared Pennsylvania’s Official Summer Adult Cocktail of 2025.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PLBTA) along with the Pennsylvania Federation of Fraternal and Social Organizations (PFFSO), both based in Harrisburg, named the Blueberry Lemonade Crush as Pennsylvania’s Official Summer Adult Cocktail of 2025.

In the previous years, the official drink was the Watermelon Crush, Orange Crush and the Bloody Mary.

“We’re asking all bars, taverns, clubs, and licensed restaurants to put this drink on their summer cocktail menu,” said Chuck Moran, executive director of the PLBTA. “It will be a refreshing drink for adults to enjoy.”

Ted Mowatt, executive director of the PFFSO said, “As the summer temperatures climb, the blueberry lemonade crush will be a delightful drink for Pennsylvanians to enjoy.”

Both Mowatt and Moran urge bar and club patrons to ask their bartenders for a Blueberry Lemonade Crush this summer.

Raising Funds For Rare Diseases

As part of the summer promotion, Holla Spirits, based in York County, will make a donation to Uplifting Athletes for every bottle of their Holla Blueberry vodka sold to a bar or club this summer to make the official drink, or ordered online at www.hollaspirits.com from consumers.

Patrick Shorb, founder of Holla Spirits and a rare disease survivor, says for him this is an opportunity to work on an issue close to his heart. The Penn State grad says he’s thankful for past care he received and is delighted his company can help raise funds to fight rare diseases.

“Finding out that you have a rare disease is quite scary for the patient and their family,” said Shorb. “As a survivor, I can attest to that. It’s an honor to be able to give back by raising funds for research and patient assistance.”

Rob Long, executive director of Uplifting Athletes based in Doylestown, knows how life changing a rare disease can be. The former Syracuse punter saw his life change after being diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.

“Now, more than ever before, funds are needed to research rare diseases,” said Long. “Our organization is humbled to know that there are businesses like Holla who want to help.”

Uplifting Athletes is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that harnesses the power of sport to build a community that invests in the lives of the more than 30 million people impacted by rare diseases in America. Since its inception, Uplifting Athletes has raised more than $9 million by engaging athletes to positively impact the rare disease community through driving action, awareness, and funding research. To learn more about Uplifting Athletes, visit upliftingathletes.org.

Watermelon Crush Recipe

1.5 oz blueberry vodka (using Holla Blueberry Vodka will result in a donation being made to Uplifting Athletes)

.5 oz Crush Buddy

Equal parts lemonade and lemon lime soda

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.

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, meet with a representative of J&J Gaming to learn more about their products and services. Try out the latest in VGT technology
• Learn about services from Kelly Benefits

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

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.

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.

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.

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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.