It wasn’t until 2002 that a “continuing care retirement community” (CCRC) was permitted to obtain a license to serve alcoholic beverages to its residents on the retirement community’s premises. To be considered a CCRC under the Pennsylvania Liquor Code, the facility must house at least one hundred people over the age of sixty-two. Further, the facility must be a “building or complex operated by a nonprofit entity incorporated under 15 Pa.C.S. Pt. II Subpt. C (relating to nonprofit corporations). . .” Under the Liquor Code, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is permitted to issue a restaurant liquor license to a CCRC. Once a license is obtained, the licensee may sell liquor or malt or brewed beverages to its residents and/or its residents’ guests. Beverages sold may be taken anywhere on the CCRC’s premises and do not have to be kept in the portion of the property that is licensed. Much like a regular bar, restaurant, or state store, sales are subject to certain hourly restrictions, and no one under the age of eighteen is permitted to sell or serve alcoholic beverages. However, the CCRC may employ minors fourteen years of age and older. It’s important for licensees to remember that while this is a nice and convenient way for your residents and their guests to enjoy a few drinks with dinner, the CCRC may not serve non-residents who are not guests.
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