PLCB Returns $21,000 in Licensing Fees to Bensalem

HARRISBURG — Bensalem residents should take a moment to thank their local bar owners.

Not only do they provide thirsty citizens with liquid refreshments, but they also pay licensing fees to the state and a portion is then returned to the township in support of law enforcement and alcohol education activities.

On March 4, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) announced that it would be returning $2.2 million to municipalities in the state. PLCB spokesperson Stacy Kriedeman told Bensalem Patch that Bucks County municipalities will receive $126,280 of that total.

“The PLCB returns millions of dollars in licensing fees to municipalities twice a year as part of our commitment to educate and protect consumers and their families from the dangers associated with alcohol,” said PLCB Chairman Patrick Stapleton, in a release. “At a time when budgets are getting tighter, we know this funding is important to the communities that receive it.”

Of the 52 municipalities in the county that received money, Bensalem’s portion was the largest at $21,180, followed by Bristol Township, $17,050; Falls Township, $8,400; and Middletown Township, $7,950.

Smaller boroughs such as Ivyland and New Britain received much smaller amounts — $150 and $200 each.

Bensalem’s larger return is thanks to its many active liquor licenses — 60. Those licenses come in different types for different facilities, including: restaurants, hotels, clubs, distributors, importers, caterers and even the municipal golf course.

Bristol Township has 49 licenses, Falls has 31 and Middletown has 30, while Ivyland and New Britain have one license each.

There are more than 17,000 licenses statewide.

According to a release, the Pennsylvania Liquor Code requires licensees to renew their license annually and collects a fee when the application is submitted. Once the submission is approved, the PLCB distributes the money to the municipalities to help defray the cost of local law enforcement.

So when you stop at your local bar for happy hour, don’t forget to thank the owner.