USA: Permits required for selling beer in Philadelphia

Anna Verna, Council President stated on Friday July 29, that Philadelphia bars, restaurants and take-out delis will have to obtain City Council's approval to get new permits from the Liquor Control Board for take-out sales of beer after Oct. 31, according to Philadelphia Business Journal.

The new permit, the work of State Sen. Anthony Williams, is obligatory under legislation signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell on July 6. Under the law, the council can bar take-out beer sales at locations that could adversely impact the city or its residents.

As many as 2,400 liquor licensees could seek approval for the new permit once the law takes effect Sept. 6. Council will have 45 days to review a request for approval. Those not disapproved within that time frame will be deemed approved.

The city's Nuisance Bars and Stop 'N Gos Task Force, convened by Verna earlier this year, will support City Council in implementing the new take-out beer permit process created by the legislation.

"Act 39 presents an opportunity to shut down take-out beer operations that do not meet the standards set forth in the Act," Verna said. "Communities that have been having continuing problems with nuisance bars and stop 'n gos will have the opportunity to bring their concerns to council, which has the power to approve or disapprove applications under the standards set forth in Act 39."

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