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Are mobile bars legal in Pennsylvania?

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Are mobile bars legal in Pennsylvania?

Have you ever wondered if mobile bars are legal in Pennsylvania? Well, we have the answer for you, directly from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

Recently, a licensee in Johnstown asked if his establishment could convert a horse trailer into a mobile bar, and then use that mobile bar with its current “R” license at different locations that are not on its licensed premise.

An Advisory Opinion from the PLCB on March 28, 2022, suggests it’s possible, but you better know how to do it right.

According to the PLCB, there is no license that allows a licensee to sell alcohol in a mobile bar or similar unfixed location. Licenses are generally issued only for use at specific, identified, stationary locations.

However, there are two ways for an “R” licensee to take advantage of a mobile bar, the PLCB says.

First, nothing would generally prohibit the use of a mobile bar by a licensee to sell alcohol on its licensed premises. So if you have a big licensed property, you may be in luck if you want to try a mobile bar.

Second, nothing would prohibit the use of a mobile bar by the holder of a special occasion permit or an off-premises catering permit, so long as the mobile bar remains on the property that is covered by the permit.

To learn more about a special occasion permit or an off-premises catering permit, click here.

 

This educational licensee update is brought to you by the PLBTA and is funded by annual Member dues. We are making this specific piece available to all licensees as an industry courtesy, and hope that non-members will join our Association and be a part of Organized Taverns. To join online, click here.

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