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Month: September 2016

Pennsylvania Enacts Sweeping Changes to Liquor License Laws

Written by LBM Law on . Posted in Liquor License Attorney. No Comments on Pennsylvania Enacts Sweeping Changes to Liquor License Laws

The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed the first major overhaul of liquor laws in 80 years. Pennsylvanians can now purchase wine at grocery stores, receive it in the mail, and purchase beverages 24/7 while in a casino.

Signed into law on August 8th, 2016, Act 39 is one of the most significant changes to Pennsylvania’s liquor laws since prohibition. It represents a major shift that could presage greater privatization of the liquor industry in Pennsylvania. The new law addresses a variety of issues including receiving wine through the mail, grocery store sales, and permitting customers to take home wine purchased in restaurants and bars. 

Licensed restaurants and hotels may now sell up to four bottles of wine per customer to take home. There is an initial $2,000 license fee which must be renewed annually.  The take-out rules permit restaurants to sell wine to late-night dinner patrons who are unable to purchase wine from closed liquor stores. A liquor license attorney from Lundy, Beldecos & Milby can help restaurant and bar owners gain access to this potentially lucrative new business. 

Moreover, the markup on special orders was reduced from thirty to ten percent, which represents huge savings on specialized wine lists. 

The bill also allows bed-and-breakfasts to provide one bottle of wine per customer at check-in, provided the guest is staying overnight. 

Among the other changes, wine producers can now direct ship up to 36 cases (9 liters of wine per case), in any calendar year to a Pennsylvania resident for personal use, breweries may sell their beers at farmer’s markets, and gas stations may sell alcohol with PLCB approval.

To learn more about how these new liquor laws will impact your business, or for a liquor licensing attorney, please contact Lundy, Beldecos & Milby directly.

 

Employers and Employees Should Understand the Difference between Independent Contractors and Employees

Written by LBM Law on . Posted in Business Lawyer. No Comments on Employers and Employees Should Understand the Difference between Independent Contractors and Employees

There are two general categories of workers, independent contractors and employees, and how the state and federal government classifies your workers will significantly affect your cost of doing business.

A business pays independent contractors for the work they do and does not provide benefits, such as paid time off, health insurance, workers compensation insurance, or withhold taxes.  In addition, independent contractors are not protected by numerous laws governing employment, such as anti-discrimination and payment for overtime.

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Six Aspects Of Pennsylvania Mechanics’ Liens Explained

Written by LBM Law on . Posted in Business Litigation Attorney. No Comments on Six Aspects Of Pennsylvania Mechanics’ Liens Explained

What is a Mechanics’ Lien?

A mechanics’ lien is a legal tool that contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers can use to create a notice that there is a claim against a property related to construction of the improvements to the property. Mechanics’ liens help to secure payment of an outstanding debt. The lien acts as a cloud on the title and can interfere with the owner’s ability to sell, finance, or refinance the property. Typically, the expectation is that the filing of a lien will motivate the owner to settle the debt, if the debtor is the owner, or exert pressure on the contractor to settle the debt if the debtor is a contractor who was hired by the owner. The effectiveness of the lien varies greatly depending on the relationship of the parties and the owner’s objectives.

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