New Pennsylvania law allows 'zombie' liquor licenses to cross county lines. Up to 75 could go to
New Pennsylvania law allows ‘zombie’ liquor licenses to cross county lines. Up to 75 could go to this huge Poconos resort
A controversial new law that allows the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to shift up to 75 liquor licenses between counties has paved the way for a developer’s plans to build a massive entertainment complex in Monroe County.
A Ripley’s aquarium, fountain and light shows and many alcohol-serving restaurants are expected to be part of Pocono Springs Entertainment Village, which is being planned for 175 acres in Tobyhanna Township next to the existing Kalahari Resort and Conventions with private investment estimated at more than $300 million.
Bryan McFarland, the lead developer behind Pocono Springs, said in a phone interview on Wednesday the proposal would have ended without the state Legislature’s approval of a bill that allows the LCB to carry out the new license-shifting dynamic.
The LCB regulates Pennsylvania’s roughly 20,000 active liquor licenses, including about 9,300 active restaurant liquor licenses.
Read more:
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-pocono-springs-20190906-qwdhqogtw5e4jejlbr6y5jjcda-story.html
(Allentown Morning Call)