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The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is returning licensing fees to 1,365 municipalities. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Pa. LCB returning millions in licensing fees to communities
Ed Gruver//September 24, 2024//
More than $2.3 million in licensing fees is being returned to local communities by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).
The PLCB announced Tuesday that fees are being returned to 1,365 municipalities in which licensees are located.
As required by law, the PLCB twice a year returns liquor license fees paid by PLCB-approved licensees to the municipalities that are home to those licenses. Municipalities have flexibility in allocating and spending the returned license fees to meet local needs.
Over 15,000 retail liquor licenses statewide, including restaurants, clubs, and hotels are overseen by the PLCB. Licensees pay liquor license fees ranging from $125-700 depending on the type of license and the population of the municipality in which the license is located.
The dispersal period represents fees paid from Feb. 1 through July 31. In all, 56 cities, 541 boroughs, and 768 townships will receive payments ranging from $50 to $232,750.
Over the last five fiscal years, the PLCB returned almost $17.5 million in licensing fees to local municipalities.
The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates about 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. In addition, the PLCB partners with schools, community groups, and licensees to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees.
Taxes and store profits are returned to Pennsylvania’s General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services. The PLCB provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state.
