On November 27, 2013, Governor Corbett signed Act 90 of 2013 into law, which permits most retail liquor licensees to apply for a brand new license, the Tavern Gaming License. The new license application was created by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) and the Gaming Control Board (GCB). The Tavern Gaming License is available to all retail beverage licensees except for those licensees who hold an Eating Place Retail Dispenser License, a Club or Catering Club License, and grocery stores, professional sporting event venues and casinos. Under the new license, a licensee will be permitted to offer tavern daily drawings, tavern raffles for charity or a public purpose, and pull-tab games. An establishment can offer eight (8) games, but there are some limits on the amounts of the prizes. The licensing and gaming requirements will be enforced by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement; the same entity which currently enforces Pennsylvania’s Liquor Code.
This is a great opportunity for licensees to generate revenue and support local and national charities. The first license was issued just this week to a tavern in Adams County, Pennsylvania.
For more information on Stark & Stark’s Beer & Spirits group, please click here.