For many, it’s not uncommon to grab a drink before or after (and maybe even during) a good round of golf. In order to do this, the owner and/or operator of a golf course has to obtain a liquor license from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). Most likely, this license will be a Privately-Owned Private Golf Course Club Liquor License (PGC, GCC). There are a number of requirements that a club applicant must meet before the PLCB will issue a license. These requirements include, but are not limited to, an applicant for such a license “must be reputable groups of individuals associated together, not for profit, for the legitimate purposes of mutual benefit, entertainment, fellowship, or lawful convenience, having some primary interest and activity to which the sale of alcoholic beverages shall be secondary. If incorporated, clubs must have been in continuous existence and operation for at least one year or, if unincorporated, for at least ten years immediately preceding the date of application for license. . . .” The golf course must contain nine holes and a total length of at least 2,500 yards. In addition, all licensees are required to appoint a manager for the operation of the licensed establishment. The PLCB must approve such an appointment. As such, the manager’s credentials will be reviewed by the PLCB when the club applicant applies for a license. If an outside management company is used, the licensee must maintain control over all daily operations of the club and the parties must enter into a management agreement, which must also be approved by the PLCB before the manager and management company can begin work. In conjunction with the application, a club applicant will have to provide certain documentation, including, but not limited to, photographs, member lists, and tax certification statements. If a club applicant is seeking to transfer a license, the applicant must complete a separate application, and provide the application fee(s) and separate supporting documentation.
In order to avoid delays in the processing of your application, you will want to make sure that the application is completed correctly and that all required documentation is included. Securing a liquor license can be difficult and time-consuming; however, with the appropriate guidance and support, the application process can move along efficiently and smoothly.
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