HARRISBURG – At its semimonthly meeting, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board voted to approve the first Tavern Gaming License for SNZ Inc., also known as Midway Tavern, 317 Third St.,Hanover, 17331.
“We are pleased to be able to approve the first Tavern Gaming License,” said Joseph E. Brion, PLCB Chairman. “We understand the significance of these new licenses, and will continue to process each application as thoroughly and as quickly as possible.”
To receive the Tavern Gaming License, officials from SNZ, Inc., must pay a legislatively mandated $2,000 fee before the license is issued and certain small games of chance – pull-tabs, daily drawings and charitable raffles – can be offered.
The Hanover-based business has held a Restaurant liquor license since June 19, 1990.
As required by law, Tavern Gaming License applications became available on Jan. 27, 2014. To date, the PLCB has received 10 Tavern Gaming License applications.
While the PLCB processes the applications and ultimately approves or denies the licenses, other state agencies have a role in tavern gaming as well. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board conducts thorough background checks on applicants and provides that information to the PLCB. The Department of Revenue collects the applicable taxes and administers filing and payment obligations related to taverns, as well as the annual reporting requirements of the law. The State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement enforces the licensing and gaming requirements of the new law while maintaining its current responsibilities enforcing the Liquor Code.
Tavern Gaming Licenses were created by Act 90 of 2013, which was signed into law on Nov. 27, 2013. In mid-January, informational seminars for licensees and interested parties were held at seven locations across Pennsylvania. More than 1,700 people attended.
For those interested, Tavern Gaming License applications and supplemental materials such as frequently asked questions are available at www.lcb.state.pa.us.
The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol and also operates more than 600 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores statewide. Taxes and store profits are returned to Pennsylvania’s General Fund.