Liquor Control Board Returns Fees to Bensalem

Twice a year the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) returns millions of dollars of in licensing fees to municipalities throughout the state where licensees are located. Bensalem received over $21,000 this year.

As part of their annual renewal process, licensees pay a fee ranging from $125 to $700, based on the type of license and population of the municipality. There are over 17,000 licenses in the state’s 2,500 municipalities.

In March, Bensalem received $21,180 from the license fees paid by its 60 or so bars, restaurants and distributors. Last week, the township received another $400 for a total of $21,580 for the year.

“From the very beginning, the PLCB and the General Assembly have worked together to provide communities, which are home to licensees, with financial assistance,” said PLCB Chairman Patrick J. Stapleton III.

“While the amount varies by community, the agency’s steadfast commitment to supporting local government and those it serves remains the same.”

With the most liquor licenses in Bucks County, Bensalem gets the most in return.

Bristol Township has 49 licenses and received $17,050; Falls Township, 31, $8,700; and Middletown Township, 30, $7,950. Smaller municipalities such as Ivyland and New Britain have one license each. They received $150 and $200 respectively.

The PLCB encourages communities to use these funds to support law enforcement efforts promoting responsible consumption.