PLCB Adopts New Policy—“R” License Holder Must Allow Drinking on Premises

By Frack C. Sluzis, Esq.

Although no provisions exist in either the liquor code or PLCB regulations, the PLCB has adopted a new policy concerning on-premises wine and beer consumption. The PLCB has decided that restaurant (R) liquor licensees must allow customers to consume beer on licensed premises. According to the new policy, R licensees are not required to sell all types of alcohol at all times. Instead, R licensees need only to offer to sell beer for on-premises consumption during the times that it is offering to sell beer for off-premises consumption. Similarly, R licensees need only offer to sell wine for on-premises consumption during the times that it is offering to sell wine for off-premises consumption.

The amount of beer and/or wine that is offered for on-premises consumption can be minimal as long as it is at least one standard size drink per customer per day. A standard size drink is defined as a 12-ounce beer or a 4-ounce glass of wine. R licensees do not have to offer the same brands of beer and wine for on-premises consumption as it does for off-premises consumption.

The new policy is an attempt to stop the proliferation of the “six pack to go” shops that offer only take out products.