Pittsburgh the Beer Town (Butler, Beaver: lease, mortgage, houses)

[bluecarebear]

Wow. I have been switching over to liquor and have once again run across the red tape of PA legislation. Now I understand why there are so many breweries in the region. Beer and liquor licenses are sold separately and liquor licenses are for those owners who pay up and/or know someone. One waitress told me it can take years to get a liquor license. This is ridiculous. I know many are happy that the old hole in the wall bars are closed and replaced by hipster breweries or coffeehouses but I wish they were back.

[Moby Hick]

I'm not sure what many of those things have to do with each other. It sounds like of "get-off-my-lawn"-y. So, I'll just ask specifically which hole in the wall bars have been replaced by hipster breweries or coffeehouses.

[gg]

Originally Posted by bluecarebear

I know many are happy that the old hole in the wall bars are closed and replaced by hipster breweries or coffeehouses but I wish they were back.

Some survived. Nied's and Big Jim's come to mind as well as Jack's. At some point just like ALL businesses it will be all chain restaurants/bars. That is the way all businesses are going. Almost no local places anymore.

[Peculiar Bloke]

Here's a thread that I started earlier in the year during my Rocket 88 days.
//www.city-data.com/forum/pitts...ole+Pittsburgh

[jea6321]

liquor licenses are allocated by county based on population. They are a physical piece of property. The owner can sell, lease, take a mortgage against or whatever else they choose to do. They have an actual value and the market rate for an allegheny county license is in the 70-80k range. It is what it is. Butler county licenses are actually WAY higher. Mainly due to low population but a booming cranberry township which has high demand. Licenses are going for upwards of 200k in Butler right now. Beaver county are lower priced. 30-40k typically.

Or are you talking about the licenses to produce Beer and spirits?

[bluecarebear]

No, I am talking about liquor licenses and the ability to sell. It is ridiculous that the PA government screws small businesses this way. Even 30-40k is a high price for a start up.