There are currently two publicly listed Montgomery County-based liquor licenses for sale. These are “R” licenses, which bars, restaurants, and grocery and convenience stores can utilize.

When the business holding an “R” license closes, the license owner puts the license in what the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board refers to as safekeeping status. This can be done for two years with no penalty, but any extension beyond the two-year period must be requested, and there is a fee. For Montgomery County, that fee is $10,000 the first year and doubles each additional year after that. If the license holder doesn’t request an extension after two years, the license can be revoked.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s license database currently shows 41 licenses in safekeeping status. Being in safekeeping status does not mean it is for sale. Often, a property owner will own the license, and when a restaurant leases the space, it has an agreement to utilize that license. So, it simply involves being between tenants. Other times, a restaurant closes, and a new restaurant has purchased the license for a different location and puts it in safekeeping while it prepares to open.

The two licenses currently for sale are offered for $400,000 (listing) and $430,000 (listing).

Licenses are associated with specific municipalities. If you want to move a license between municipalities, the license holder has to seek an intermunicipal transfer from the municipality where you want to utilize the license.