From:Bob TheilDate: Wed, Jul 30, 2014 at 3:31 PMSubject: Beer GardensTo: Bob Theil

You may have seen the recent press reports concerning the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Boards (PLCB) issuance of Off Premises Catering Permits (OPCP), which allow alcohol sales at otherwise non-licensed locations.These permits are often used for temporary pop up locations such as beer gardens.Three of the most popular beer gardens often referenced the 1500 block of South Street, Eakins Oval, and the Spruce Street Harbor Park are located within the 1stSenatorial District.While not all locations are technically OPCP licenses, these beer gardens have been hugely successful and have fulfilled their billing as a summer spot for people, both tourists and locals, to gather.Ventures such as these generate jobs, tax revenue and increase foot traffic in every area in which they are set up.Obviously, any license or permit issued by the PLCB has the potential to be misused by parties who are not responsible or mindful of the communities in which they operate.However, to date, my office has not received any complaints about the operation of beer gardens in my district.My office has been working on related issues since OPCP permits were first authorized by law, in the same way we have closely monitored traditional liquor license transfers and overseen neighborhood task forces.While I have not always supported or opposed particular OPCP locations, I have intervened if and when a community request arose.The chairs of the liquor committees in the House and Senate recently informed the LCB that they are concerned about misuse of the OPCP process and the LCBs interpretation of the law allowing Off Premises permits.If it becomes necessary that legislation is needed to correct any discrepancies in the original Act, I will work to ensure that the solution is balanced.I want to make sure that these popular summer hangouts remain in place for any area that chooses to act as host, at the same time that we continue to protect neighborhoods from disruptive nuisances.If you have any questions or would like to discuss this issue further, please contact my office at 215-952-3121or respond to Bob Theil via reply tothis email.Sincerely,Larry FarneseState Senator, 1st District