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PLCB Eating Place (E) license (beer only): Philadelphia restaurant guide

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

What it is

The beer-only alternative to the Restaurant (R) license.

When a restaurant needs it

Only for restaurants that will serve beer but no wine or spirits. Philadelphia is at quota, so you buy one from an existing holder.

How to apply

Arrange a purchase from a current E license holder and file the transfer with the PLCB in PLCB+.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
$700 filing fee plus a $200–$400 license fee by municipal population (PLCB fee schedule)
Processing time
Varies
Renewal
Annually, with biennial validation
Who files
Filed by the licensee, usually with a liquor attorney.

Good to know

Pennsylvania has no beer-and-wine license: wine means you need the R license.

Official source

PLCB — quota system · PLCB — licensing and permit fees (Sept 2026)

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.