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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 Pennsylvania’s Official Summer Adult Cocktail of 2024 declared by PaTaverns, PaClubs

Pennsylvania’s Official Summer Adult Cocktail of 2024 declared by PaTaverns, PaClubs

Pennsylvania-based distillery turns official drink into fundraiser to benefit rare diseases

(Harrisburg, Pa. / May 2, 2024) Two leading statewide liquor industry associations are joining forces this year to declare Pennsylvania’s Official Summer Adult Cocktail of 2024, while one Pennsylvania-based distillery says they’ll use the official drink to raise funds to benefit those suffering from rare diseases.

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 Watermelon Crush as Pennsylvania’s Official Summer Adult Cocktail of 2024. In the previous two years, the official drink was the Orange Crush and the Bloody Mary.

“We’ve named some tasty drinks that Pennsylvania adults have enjoyed since our state’s official summer cocktail program started,” said Chuck Moran, executive director of the PLBTA. “We hope citizens across the state will try a Watermelon Crush this summer while enjoying time with family and friends.”

Ted Mowatt, executive director of the PFFSO said, “We’re declaring a refreshing adult drink as the state’s official summer cocktail that I know Pennsylvanians will enjoy, especially as the summer temperatures climb.”

Both Mowatt and Moran urge bar and club patrons to ask their bartenders for a Watermelon Crush this summer, and are encouraging their Members to put this drink on their summer drink menus.

Raising Funds For Rare Diseases

Meanwhile, Holla Spirits, based in York County, has agreed to make a donation to Uplifting Athletes for every bottle of their watermelon lollipop-flavored vodka sold to a bar or club this summer to make the official drink, or ordered online directly 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 for Uplifting Athletes.

“Every year, as part of our mission, Holla Spirits works to find ways to assist those facing life-changing illnesses,” said Shorb. “A diagnosis of a rare disease is shocking and scary to the patient and the patient’s family. The more we can do to raise funds for research and patient assistance the better.”

Both Moran and Mowatt say that it’s great to see how the official summer adult cocktail can be turned into a fundraiser. They challenge other distilleries to do the same.

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

“There’s so much work to be done to fight rare diseases and help those who just had their world turned upside down,” said Long. “It’s certainly reassuring that there are many caring individuals and businesses that step up to the plate to play a role in fighting this battle.”

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 vodka (using Holla Watermelon Lollipop Vodka will result in a donation being made to Uplifting Athletes)
.5 oz Triple Sec
Equal parts watermelon juice and lemon lime soda

By in Latest News Comments Off on Does Your Insurance Cover Axe Throwing?

Does Your Insurance Cover Axe Throwing?

By Annie Stontz, Illinois Casualty Company

Axe throwing has become an increasingly popular activity, and many venues have begun catering to this interest. As most of these businesses combine the activity with serving food and alcohol, Illinois Casualty Company’s Underwriters have been receiving questions about whether there is coverage for this.

Most people could understand our concern over the risk that comes with combining alcohol consumption and axe throwing. As the activity has become more popular, we are seeing an increase in mobile axe throwing businesses that offer to bring the sport to a bar or restaurant.

If your bar/restaurant hires a mobile axe throwing business that can provide proof of insurance, will that be enough to protect your business?

There are a few things to consider before offering this activity at your bar/restaurant.

  • Is this a one-time event or will it be a regular recurring activity?
  • Will the activity take place on your premises or be contained and controlled by the axe throwing vendor?
  • If this is a recurring event and your bar/restaurant has facilities in place, what controls are there to prevent axe throwing at times other than when the vendor is present to supervise?
  • Does the vendor’s current GL coverage have limits equal to or exceeding that of your policy?

It is highly recommended that you have your attorney review the contract with the vendor. The agreement should clearly make the vendor liable for all injuries resulting from any axe throwing activity and contain “hold harmless” language for your business.

Even if all the boxes are checked, there can still be scenarios where a suit brings your business into the claim. The allegations for an “injury” can be based on negligence, intoxication, or both. The injured party can be a participant or a spectator.

How the claim or suit is presented determines which policy applies and whether you can tender the defense to the vendor. As with many situations like this, the more serious the “injury”, the more aggressively creative plaintiffs get, and the more difficult it is to remove your business from liability.

Understanding the issues will help you determine the extent of the risk you are willing to accept.

 

Editor’s Note: Illinois Casualty Company is the exclusive preferred vendor of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association for liability insurance products. Qualifying PLBTA Members can save up to 10% on their businessowners and liquor liability insurance. For more information about insuring your business with ICC, visit www.ilcasco.com/find-an-agent and talk to an ICC agent in your area.

By in Latest News Comments Off on ‘Don’t Let Temporary OPCP Regs Sunset’ Featured on Pennsylvania Tavern Talk

‘Don’t Let Temporary OPCP Regs Sunset’ Featured on Pennsylvania Tavern Talk

Pennsylvania Tavern Talk, a YouTube channel created by Chuck Moran, executive director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association, released its next episode, featuring efforts to eliminate sunset provisions of Act 81 of 2021.

If the sunset rule is not eliminated, certain temporary licensee rights will terminate at the end of 2024. This episode specifically covers changes that were made to rules involving off-premise catering permits (OPCP).

You may recall that prior to Act 81 of 2021, those with OPCPs were limited in the number of off-premise events they could cater and were also limited in the number of hours per event they could provide. In addition, a fee was required to obtain an OPCP. Also, March 1 of each year served as an OPCP application deadline.

Act 81, which the PLBTA and other industry groups lobbied for, allowed an unlimited number of events, erased time limitations per event, and also eliminated the yearly fee and March 1 application deadline.

We should point out that Act 81 had several other parts including temporary extension of the licensed premises, which also expire on December 31, 2024.

As part of its 2023-’24 legislative agenda, the PLBTA Board of Directors would like to make these temporary rights permanent.

“It’s crazy to think that the state would revert back to outdated liquor code at the end of 2024,” says Moran, “But, that’s exactly what will happen if the sunset provisions aren’t addressed.”

In addition, Moran says a strong grassroots effort will be needed from the industry to make this happen.

The latest episode of Pennsylvania Tavern Talk covers Rep. Napoleon Nelson’s recent cosponsorship memo in which he recognizes that the industry continues to struggle as a result of past pandemic regulations. The cosponsorship memo indicates his interest to introduce legislation to eliminate the sunset provisions of Act 81 of 2021.

You can watch the episode (and share it) directly on YouTube by clicking here.

This episode is part of the “2023-24 Legislation” playlist series, covering bills and cospsonsorship memos that if successful will impact the industry.

You can watch all episodes of Pennsylvania Tavern Talk and subscribe to the channel by visiting www.youtube.com/@PennsylvaniaTavernTalkByChuck.

UPDATE … as of mid-May 2023, this is now HB 1160.

By in Latest News Comments Off on Getting To Know PaTaverns: Member-Only Benefits

Getting To Know PaTaverns: Member-Only Benefits

The next episode of Pennsylvania Tavern Talk has been released on YouTube. This episode is part of the “Getting To Know PaTaverns” playlist series and covers Member-only benefits.

In this episode, PLBTA Executive Director Chuck Moran introduces viewers to various benefits available to Members ranging from discounted liquor liability insurance to discounted online RAMP training.

“While the number one benefit of being a Member is lobbying at the state capitol,” Moran says, “there are other benefits that are often overlooked or underutilized that adds significant value to Membership.”

Moran encourages Members to take advantage of these benefits and support the Association’s preferred vendors. For example, he says the Association’s rebate program can put money back into the business, while others like Illinois Casualty Company can save qualifying Members significant money through discounts on liquor liability and business insurance.

“The savings from using benefits like the rebate program or insurance discounts often covers the cost of Membership and then some,” Moran says.

According to Moran, benefits change periodically, and an up-to-date list of preferred vendors can be found by clicking here.

Previous episodes of the “Getting To Know PaTaverns” playlist covered association governance and the role of Members.

In addition, Pennsylvania Tavern Talk has another playlist series that analyzes 2023-2024 legislation that would impact family-owned — small business — taverns, bars, and licensed restaurants.

Those interested can visit the Pennsylvania Tavern Talk channel by clicking here.

 

By in Latest News Comments Off on Getting To Know PaTaverns: The Role of Members

Getting To Know PaTaverns: The Role of Members

Pennsylvania Tavern Talk, a YouTube channel dedicated to the Keystone State’s family-owned taverns, bars, and licensed restaurants, released S1E4 as part of its playlist series titled Getting To Know PaTaverns.

In this episode, Chuck Moran, executive director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PLBTA), takes viewers through the role of Members. It can be viewed by clicking here.

“As a Member of our Association, those who join can define their role within membership that best fits their comfort level,” Moran says. “But for sure, being a Member comes with responsibility on behalf of the entire industry.”

Moran explains in this episode that some Members simply want to support the association through their annual dues in order for Pennsylvania’s small business taverns, bars, and licensed restaurants to have a lobbying presence at the state capitol.

Some take on a bigger role by becoming a grassroots activist and making calls and visits to their state senator and state representative in Harrisburg when directed by the PLBTA. Yet, others contribute to TavernPAC. Meanwhile, many wish to exercise their voice and vote as a Member by providing input and feedback to the association’s Board of Directors.

During the show, Moran says some go as far as volunteering to join the association’s Board of Directors when seats become available.

“Ultimately, each individual can define their role as a Member, and we hope that role will be an active participant in the political process on behalf of the industry … Organized Taverns,” Moran says.

The PLBTA is a statewide membership association responsible for organizing small business taverns, bars, and licensed restaurants for political purposes at the state capitol. While in existence since the 1940s, the association reorganized in 2019 and has since been responsible for several industry bills and changes to the liquor code that has impacted Pennsylvania’s bar trade.

Pennsylvania Tavern Talk is a YouTube channel that sheds light on political matters involving the industry at the state capitol and PLBTA news.

Those interested in subscribing to Pennsylvania Tavern Talk can do so by clicking here.

By in Latest News Comments Off on PaTavern Talk Covers Association Governance In New Series

PaTavern Talk Covers Association Governance In New Series

Pennsylvania Tavern Talk, a YouTube Channel dedicated to issues facing Pennsylvania bars, taverns, and licensed restaurants, has released Season 1, Episode 3 in which it covers association governance as part of its new series titled “Getting To Know PaTaverns.”

In the first of this series, host Chuck Moran, executive director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association, covers how the association’s by-laws define how the organization will be run. He describes the PLBTA democracy, Member voice and vote, and its Board of Directors.

You can view this episode by clicking here.

Moran started Pennsylvania Tavern Talk in early 2023 to raise the profile of legislative and association happenings.

He says the next in the “Getting To Know PaTaverns” will cover the important role of Members in giving the industry a voice at the state capitol.

By in Latest News Comments Off on Confessions of an Insurance Rep: What We Look for Before Giving You a Price

Confessions of an Insurance Rep: What We Look for Before Giving You a Price

Avalon Thomas-Roebal

By Avalon Thomas-Roebal
Marketing Representative
Illinois Casualty Company

Illinois Casualty Company (ICC) has become a leading food and beverage carrier within a competitive marketplace since our inception in 1950. Our dedication to the industry has allowed ICC to understand the unique complexities of the niche and how to fine tune our rating structure to maintain profitability. Continued experience allows ICC to identify exposures distinctive to hospitality that other carriers likely do not recognize and has led to the development of a comprehensive rating system.

Some rating factors are quite standard. Other factors, which you may only see with ICC, have been applied because we are truly a specialty carrier. Though we can’t share our recipe for success, we can share how some ingredients may be more impactful than commonly thought. Knowledge of these exposures has allowed ICC to rate risks appropriately and provide consistent pricing to our insureds.

Property coverage premium continues to rise in all areas of insurance. What factors have a bigger impact on food and beverage accounts? Most carriers consider construction type and building age, but ICC also takes into consideration the years in business, onsite laundry facilities, seasonal operations, and security camera usage. These items all have rating relativities that modify property premium.

ICC is best known for our ability to profitably rate for liability coverage, especially liquor liability. Distinctive exposures in this product line may be unfamiliar to general carriers but second nature to those at ICC. For Businessowners Liability, years in business, prior management experience, and hours of operation are common factors, but ICC is not a common carrier. We have learned that the number of pool tables, buffet exposures, self-serve drink stations, cover charges, and trap door exposures also carry weight in determining pricing.

For example, a single pool table in a tavern is more likely to lead to an altercation than multiple pool tables. If you walk into a bar and notice a pool table, where do you see it? Typically, it is placed in a back corner, dimly lit, and commonly by restrooms and in a busy footpath. Those playing pool may encounter passerby bumps, spills, or patrons not respectful to the game environment. When alcohol is involved, or better yet, a $20 bet, these minor bumps and spills have a higher likelihood of becoming arguments. When establishments have multiple pool tables, the space tends to transform into a pool hall mindset with dedicated pool players and a designated playing environment, which in turn leads to more responsible participation.

Further experience in this niche has consistently shown that establishments located outside city limits have higher liability exposures. This is in part due to more patrons leaving by automobile and the establishment typically having lower drink prices, both factors that contribute to having a higher rating relativity. Insureds with buffets and/or self-service drink stations will have a higher probability of slip and falls. When customers serve themselves and spill something on the floor, they typically do not notify staff. If a server spills food or drink on the floor, they know it right away and can address it.

ICC’s Underwriting and Marketing Departments educate our agency partners on many of these exposures, while ICC’s Loss Control Specialists educate our insureds. Unique loss control recommendations based on our years of experience shine through during our inspection process. ICC requires a metal container to hold oily rags due to spontaneous combustion, we consider trap doors an undesirable exposure, and we follow the National Fire Protection Association requirements for fire suppression and hood and duct maintenance.

As an ICC Marketing Representative, I frequently field these common questions, “Why does Underwriting ask so many questions?” or “Why do your Loss Control Reps require additional recommendations?” Those answers are easy. We do so because ICC is a dedicated specialty carrier where we lead in industry knowledge, underwriting skill, and exposure identification, ultimately allowing ICC to provide consistent pricing for our insureds.

The rating factors ICC has developed demonstrate our deep understanding of the niche. We have led the industry in commitment and unparalleled service to hospitality, and our rating system and multifaceted underwriting approach reflects that dedication.

To find an ICC agent in your area, visit www.ilcasco.com/find-an-agent.

The above story was published in the November 2022 edition of Pennsylvania Beverage Media, the official magazine of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association. Illinois Casualty Company is the PLBTA’s exclusive preferred vendor for liquor liability and other business insurance.

 

By in Latest News Comments Off on Survey Results: Small Business Taverns, Licensed Restaurants Severely Damaged Due To Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Order

Survey Results: Small Business Taverns, Licensed Restaurants Severely Damaged Due To Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Order

A survey of small business taverns and licensed restaurants indicates Pennsylvania could see a significant loss of locally owned establishments from closings as a result of the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Orders.

The survey, conducted by the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association between August 25 and August 28, 2020, included 10 questions exploring financial difficulties.

Most troubling are indications that only 30 percent of the participating neighborhood-based establishments might survive the crisis. This is consistent with national surveys suggesting a possible loss of 70 percent of establishments.

In the PLBTA survey, participants were asked “Without any change to the Governor’s Order or financial assistance from the state and/or federal government, which best describes the future of your business after September 2020?”

Thirteen percent are already closed. Another five percent indicated they will close within a month, while 29 percent say they will likely close by the end of the year and 23 percent say they will likely close in 2021. Only 30 percent said they would not close.

Major layoffs and furloughs were also identified in the survey, again along the same lines as national studies. On average of those establishments participating in the survey, 13 employees per location lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19 Orders. When extrapolated across the industry, considering small business R and H license locations alone, about 109,200 Pennsylvania jobs were lost.

Financially, July 2020 proved to be troubling. The average establishment completing this survey lost $227,179 in July 2020 compared to July 2019.

Only 29 percent of the survey participants said they have not faced any cash flow problems. That suggests 71 percent have had difficulty paying bills including rent, utilities, and loan repayments.

“These results shouldn’t surprise anyone,” said Chuck Moran, executive director of the PLBTA. “When you’re limited to 25 percent indoor capacity and have seen increased expenses along with other difficulties due to state orders, you can expect a serious crisis to develop. This industry can’t sustain itself under these conditions. Changes in state restrictions along with survival and recovery financial packages are needed.”

The survey also explored other business-related difficulties including food and beer deliveries as well as supply deliveries for items such as paper products and cleaning items.

Of those participating in the survey, 89 percent were small business, single-location establishments, while eight percent were small businesses with more than one location. All own either an “R” or “H” liquor license. Three percent were clubs with club liquor licenses. No national or regional chains participated in the survey.

A total of 1,234 invitations to take the survey were sent statewide. There were 100 businesses that completed the survey during the three days. As a result, this survey has a 10% margin of error with a 95% confidence level when considering small business R and H licensees in Pennsylvania.

Working members of the media may request a copy of the results by emailing pataverns@pataverns.com. Please include your name and media affiliation.

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About the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association
The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association is a statewide association based in Harrisburg, representing small business taverns and licensed restaurants in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 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.