StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/730392
StateWays | www.stateways.com | September/October 2016 18 is making as it relates to streamlining the process of working with on-premise bars and restaurants. And while the PLCB can't speak to the challenges restau- rants face nor to regulations or practices in other control states, Brassell stresses that they are doing everything they can to facil- itate the licensing and regulatory processes for licensees. "Many of our licensing practices are proscribed by law and regulation, but we have developed a number of tools and processes to help licensees meet licensing require- ments," Brassell says. Years ago the PLCB developed a "master file" structure for chains so that all licenses and permits associated with a chain are tied together into a comprehensive licensing record. A master file creates one file location for chain operations to submit cor- porate structure and financial reporting for all licenses involved, and allows for changes to this information to be reported, re- viewed and approved in one simple process. "Additionally, we have experienced personnel both in PLCB headquarters and in the field who are familiar with chain op- erations and are eager to answer questions and help chains understand what is required of them for each of their licensed locations," Brassell says. Earlier this year the agency introduced PLCB+, a single gateway for businesses to apply for and manage beverage alco- hol licenses and permits. Through PLCB+, licensees can renew and validate an existing license, apply for a new license, apply to transfer a license, update license account information and pay application and license fees online. Additionally, PLCB+ provides an easy online process for submitting applications to extend the size of a licensed establishment and change corpo- rate officers. "Through PLCB+, each chain has visibility into all licenses and permits—and associated statuses—associated with the chain, and automatic email reminders are sent to prompt renewal, validation and other account maintenance submissions," Brassell says. And the PLCB is working to provide additional avenues for on-premise restaurants and bars to explore. "This is an exciting time in Pennsylvania, because historic liquor reform changes that will transform the beverage alcohol landscape in the commonwealth became effective in August," Brassell says. "As a result, many chains—including restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores—are interested in obtain- ing the appropriate licenses and permits to begin selling wine- to-go." Pennsylvania has also created a new Office of Wholesale Operations that will work directly with larger volume wine per- mittees so they can anticipate their product needs and make available to them the wines they want to carry in the quantities they demand—something that may help Omni Hotels' wine by- the-glass program. "We imagine some of these businesses will add wine-to-go to existing on-premises operations, while others will pursue only to-go sales of wine, similarly to how they've offered beer-to-go for many years," Brassell says. According to Denise Brunett, bureau chief, liquor licensing in Helena, MT, the Montana Department of Revenue Liquor Control Division administers state law governing liquor licens- ing, compliance and distribution. The law requires a quota system that outlines the number of liquor licenses for various geographic areas and communities in Montana. When working with restaurant chains and bars as it relates to on-premise bars, Brunett says there are not inherent problems that she is seeing. "They are licensed via our process and we have a good working relationship. Most chains are linked to corporate offices that seem organized and have the necessary paperwork prepared to send with the license applications, re- newals and other license updates." That said, Brunett suggests that restaurant chains and bars can work more effectively with the control state agencies by actually using the resources available to them. "It is important to use the resources on the Montana Liquor Control website," Brunett says. "We have made it a website where interested par- ties can get answers for all questions about what it takes to get and maintain an alcoholic beverage license in Montana. Our online access, TAP, is a great tool for applicants and licensees. They can attach necessary documents in a secure manner and pay annual renewals online." Speaking only for the PLCB, Brassell also encourages chain licenses to ask questions and seek guidance, whenever there is any doubt about a process or requirement. "Our licensing and legal personnel are great informational resources who are dedicated to helping licensees understand Pennsylvania liquor law and regulations," Brassell says. "Additionally, we encourage licensees to become certified through our Responsible Alcohol Management Program, which provides training and guidance to licensees on how to safely and legally offer alcohol service to patrons. Our Bureau of Alcohol Education offers training for owners and managers and certifies instructors to train all employees who play a role in alcohol sales." ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has issued licenses to more than 9,000 on-premise locations. That number includes national and in-state chains. "While the Commission has made, and continues to make, numerous changes to our processes and procedures to simplify and speed-up licensing for entities that are already known to and licensed by the state, the Commission and the professional staff team are always open to listening to and learning from op- erators who have ideas or suggestions," says Michael J. Loepp, communications representative at the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. If an applicant is already known to the MLCC, in other words, they have already been investigated and licensed by the Commission, it offers these "chain" businesses an abbreviated and simplified application and investigation process. As Loepp explains, the Commission already offers an abbre- viated and streamlined process for "chain" businesses if they are PARTNERS IN PROGRESS