The Alcohol License Specialists

CAPUTO LAW OFFICE

Caputo Law Office is a distinguished, third-generation law firm specializing in beverage alcohol law. With offices in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, the firm offers comprehensive legal services to a diverse array of national, regional, and local clients across Pennsylvania’s beverage alcohol industry. Its team of 4 attorneys and 6 staff members brings extensive expertise to licensing, enforcement, transactional, and litigation matters related to liquor licenses.

Core practice areas

Caputo Law Office serves a broad spectrum of businesses in the beverage alcohol sector, including:

  • Wholesalers and distributors
  • Restaurants, taverns, clubs, casinos and resorts
  • Golf courses, hotels, racetracks and stadiums
  • Breweries, wineries and distilleries
  • Theatres, colleges, universities and retirement communities

In addition to representing industry participants, the firm collaborates with brokers, lenders, specialists, and other law firms, offering guidance on basic and more complex beverage alcohol law matters. The firm’s attorneys also provide education to professionals in real estate, finance, and related sectors, emphasizing responsible alcohol service policies and compliance in transactions involving liquor licenses.

Key Achievements

Caputo Law Office’s notable accomplishments include:

  • Complex Transactions: Successful restructuring and licensing for a group of retirement centers in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
  • Resort Licensing: Securing licenses for a 2,000-acre Four Seasons Resort, including its golf course, hotel, spa, and restaurants.
  • Cultural Venues: Licensing a Pittsburgh-based multi-disciplinary venue, including negotiating food services and concessionaire agreements for its theater and museum.
  • Joint Ventures: Structuring and licensing a 1,200-person restaurant and tavern facility in a private health club.
  • Industry-wide Licensing: Supporting the formation and licensing of numerous Pennsylvania-based establishments, including restaurants, casinos, racetracks, and theatres.
  • Inter-Municipal Transfers: Managing liquor license transfers across municipal borders and appeals in multiple jurisdictions.
  • Enforcement Defense: Defending licensees in non-renewal and enforcement actions by state and local agencies. 
  • Landmark Cases: Spearheading the seminal “12-pack” case, which dramatically changed the way manufacturers and beer distributors were permitted to sell malt and brewed beverages in Pennsylvania.

Educational Contributions

The firm’s attorneys are frequent lecturers and educators, having presented at:

  • The Annual Administrative Law Symposium
  • The Allegheny County Bar Association

These sessions provide continuing legal education and specialized insights on liquor law issues.

Collaborative Approach

Caputo Law Office often acts as special counsel, working alongside inside and outside counsel to address beverage alcohol-specific aspects of more significant transactions. This collaborative method ensures seamless integration into broader legal strategies.

With its statewide reach and industry-specific expertise, Caputo Law Office remains a trusted partner for legal matters in Pennsylvania’s beverage alcohol sector.

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

November 19, 2020

On Nov. 18, 2020, the PLCB approved revisions to Advisory Notice 27 regarding 2020 renewals/validations, 2021 renewal/validation fees, safekeeping and late fees.  Please review the updated notice carefully to determine if you are impacted by the changes.  Some highlights are:

  • 2020 Renewals/Validations: If you have not filed your 2020 renewal/validation, you are required to file all documents and fees by Dec. 31, 2020. You will not have authority to operate after Dec. 31, 2020 unless the license is renewed/validated for 2020.  Late fees will be refunded if they were applied.  Due to a high volume of refunds, there may be a delay.
  • 2021 Renewals/Validations: The PLCB will not require most fees for restaurant, retail dispenser, club, catering club, hotel, wineries, limited wineries, distilleries, limited distilleries, distilleries of historical significance, breweries, alternate breweries and sacramental wine licenses. At this time, PLCB+ is still assessing these fees, however, it is anticipated that the fee waivers will be in place by Jan. 1, 2021. If you were charged a fee that is not required, a refund will be issued. Due to a high volume of refunds, there may be a delay. Late fees will be assessed for 2021.

 

  • Safekeeping: Effective Dec.1, 2020, all licensees are required to place their license in safekeeping if the license has not been operating for 15 or more consecutive days. Your license must be current to do this.  There is no fee associated with placing a license in safekeeping. 

 

PLCB Issues new guidance for temporary extensions of premises outdoors. Click here to see the guidance: https://www.lcb.pa.gov/Legal/Documents/advisory%20notice%20no.%2026.pdf and contact us with any questions

Governor Wolf Issues Guidance for Restaurants Permitted to Operate during Covid-19.  Click on the following link or call us to learn more:  https://www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200527-Restaurant-Industry-Guidance.pdf

The Governor signs HB327 allowing some Restaurants and Hotels to sell Cocktails to Go in Pennsylvania.  Contact us today to see if you qualify and to learn more.

CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT

Is your business unable to make payroll or pay rent due to COVID-19?  Is your business permitted to be open but not operating at the level you are accustomed to?  If you are a hotel, restaurant, distributor, winery, brewery or distillery that has less than 500 employees, you could be eligible for an emergency loan which, if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward, could be 100% forgiven under the CARES Act.  We can assist you through the loan application process to help keep you open for business and also assist with ensuring the loan is used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage, lease, and utility payments

Click CARES Act Summary to see if you qualify for relief under the Corona-virus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act or contact us to schedule a virtual appointment.  Congress recently passed the CARES Act which will implement the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The CARES Act supports small businesses to keep workers employed during these turbulent times. In particular, the Paycheck Protection Program provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to businesses and these loans may be 100% forgiven if the businesses maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.  Call us at 412-325-0693 or Contact Us for more details.”

A Comprehensive Range of Business and Strategic Consulting

ABOUT US

Professional And Experienced Family Law Attorney

You've Come To The Right Place

For three generations Caputo Law Office has been successfully representing clients throughout Pennsylvania. No matter what your Alcohol Beverage Law needs are, we can help, and we have been for more than 70 years. We can assist you with and counsel you on everything when it comes to alcohol beverage law , and our experienced and exceptionally knowledgeable attorneys can also serve your general legal needs.

70+ Years Of Experience

We are one of the few firms in Pennsylvania to focus primarily on Alcohol Beverage Law, and our attorneys provide comprehensive legal services to our hospitality clients

He Have What You’re Looking For

OUR PRACTICE AREAS

ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LAW

We can help you through every stage of getting a new liquor license or defending your liquor license.

REAL ESTATE LAW

Our experienced team can support and advise you through your real estate dispute.

CRIMINAL LAW

If you're looking for a criminal law attorney, we can help.

CIVIL LITIGATION

If you are facing non-criminal litigation we offer comprehensive services and representation.

CORPORATE LAW

We provide comprehensive legal representation for business clients and can advise you on legal matters for both small and large businesses.

ESTATE PLANNING

We provide full range estate planning services to our clients.

Child Custody, Adoption And Surrogacy
Marriage, Civil Unions & Divorce

Professional And Experienced Family Law Attorney

Why Choose Our Firm

Excellent Track Record.

Transparent Fees

Unparalleled Customer Service

Let Our Experience Be Your Guide 

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