Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Issues Guidelines Regarding Beer Delivery

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) today approved an advisory notice regarding the Transporter-for-Hire (Class A and Class B) licenses, which allows the delivery of malt or brewed beverages directly to customers.

Advisory Notice No. 22 affects retail licensees (those who possess a "Restaurant," "Eating Place Malt Beverage" or "Hotel" license) and Transporter-for-Hire licensees.

The new guidelines state:

• A retail licensee cannot accept payment for the malt/brewed beverage at the time of the delivery. The sale must be completed on the retail licensee's premises.
• There are no limits on how much malt/brewed beverage a Transporter-for-Hire licensee can transport, but a single sale by a retail licensee cannot exceed 192 ounces (two six-packs). Deliveries can occur at any time, but sales must take place before 2 a.m.
• While food and non-alcoholic beverages can be included with the delivery of malt/brewed beverages, it is not required. Deliveries can only include items that are pre-ordered by the customer, so a licensed transporter cannot use his/her vehicle to sell other items with the alcoholic beverages at the same time. For example, a licensed transporter cannot use its vehicle as a food truck.
• The person making the delivery must be at least 21 years old. There must be written evidence the driver is an employee or a contractor of the licensed transporter.
• The delivery vehicle must be identified with the Transporter-for-Hire licensee's name, address, license number and the licensing identification (LID) number in letters at least 2 inches tall on each side of the vehicle. Magnetic signs are allowed.
• The Transporter for Hire licensee is required to check the ID of the person accepting the delivery, and the licensee must maintain records documenting that verification.
• The sale and/or delivery of alcohol to someone under the age of 21 years old or a visibly intoxicated person is a violation of the Liquor Code, and the retail licensee is liable for any violations.
• A person or entity that holds multiple retail licenses needs only one Transporter-for-Hire license to cover all of its licensed establishments.

Since the PLCB released an advisory opinion in late 2014 stating that retail (Restaurant and Eating Place Malt Beverage) licensees could obtain a Transporter-for-Hire license and deliver beer directly to customers, the PLCB Bureau of Licensing has seen a significant increase in the number of applications for those licenses. This advisory notice will provide guidance to those retail licensees who currently hold a Transporter-for-Hire license or are interested in getting one.

To see the advisory notice in full, visit http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/cons/groups/externalaffairs/documents/form/002563.pdf

Advisory notices are generally notifications to those most affected by policy decisions. The provisions of an advisory notice are effective immediately.

The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol and also operates more than 600 wine and spirits stores statewide. Taxes and store profits are returned to Pennsylvania's General Fund. For more information about the Liquor Control Board, visit www.lcb.state.pa.us.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Kriedeman, (717)783-8864

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

Related Links

http://www.lcb.state.pa.us