Expired restaurant liquor license auction

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is conducting an auction for expired restaurant liquor licenses through Invitation for Bids (IFB) #260379, which covers 25 expired licenses across various Pennsylvania counties including Adams County. The procurement offers bidders the right to file transfer applications for specific restaurant liquor licenses, with a mandatory minimum bid of $25,000 per license. Potential bidders must submit a bid surety of $5,000 or 5% of their total bid amount, whichever is greater, and are permitted to bid on multiple licenses by submitting separate bid packages for each. Key procurement dates include an August 28, 2025 deadline for submitting questions, and a bid response deadline of October 6, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. ET, with a public bid opening scheduled for October 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET in Harrisburg. Successful bidders will be awarded the right to file a transfer application within six months of receiving a Notice of Selection, and must complete full payment within 14 calendar days via ACH debit or wire transfer.

The auction does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, suggesting the opportunity is open to a broad range of potential bidders, including private businesses and entrepreneurs interested in acquiring restaurant liquor licenses. The licenses being auctioned are described as free of previous liens or suspensions and not subject to county quota restrictions, which enhances their potential value. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the minimum bid of $25,000 per license provides a baseline for potential investment. Successful bidders will receive a license that can be transferred, presenting a potentially valuable opportunity for businesses seeking to enter or expand in the Pennsylvania hospitality market. The PLCB will post bid results within two business days of tabulation, providing transparency in the selection process.