LCB To Auction Off First Batch Of Expired Restaurant Liquor Licenses

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- The Liquor Control Board is now accepting bids on the first batch of expired liquor licenses in an auction authorized by sweeping liquor reforms signed into law in June.

The law passed in June allows places like grocery stores that have restaurant liquor licenses to sell wine by the bottle.

The law also provided to be put up for sale restaurant licenses deemed to be 'expired,' licenses that were revoked or otherwise not maintained.

Liquor Control Board spokeswoman Elizabeth Brassell says, "There are about 1,200 licenses across the state that have expired that are eligible for auction, dating back to 2000. And our goal is to, with this first auction, sort of test and evaluate the market. It's 40 licenses available across 21 counties."

The minimum bid is $25,000 dollars, and sealed bids must be submitted by October 27th.

In the first auction, four licenses are available in Philadelphia, there are two each in Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties, and one in Bucks County.