PLCB Off-Premises Catering Permit: Philadelphia restaurant guide
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
What it is
Lets a Restaurant (R) or Eating Place (E) licensee sell alcohol at a catered event away from the licensed premises (weddings, corporate events, private parties).
When a restaurant needs it
Only if you cater off-site AND want to serve alcohol at those events. Each event must be for an identifiable group (not the general public), last no more than six hours and end by midnight.
How to apply
Apply for the annual permit in PLCB+, then add each catered function in PLCB+ at least 14 days before the event and notify local police and the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement at least 7 days before.
Documents you’ll need
- Liquor license number
- Event date, hours, location and host for each function
- Description of the identifiable group being served
Good to know
Philadelphia does not require a separate city caterer license for a restaurant that caters as part of its operations — the only catering-specific approval for a licensed restaurant is this PLCB permit.
Official source
PLCB-690 — Types of permits (Off-Premises Catering Permit) · PLCB license and permit fees (Sept 2026)
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.