Brewery / Distillery Permits & Licenses in Philadelphia, PA

Required for all LLCs. Annual Decennial Report also required ($70 fee, due by December 31 of years ending in 0 or 5). Source confirms current fees as of 2024.

Registration valid for 10 years. Renewal required before expiration.

Applies to all LLCs; not annual but every 10 years.

Includes accessible parking, entrances, restrooms, and service counters.

Applies to all marketing claims, including “organic,” “hand‑crafted,” and health‑related statements.

Minimum wage is $7.25 federal; many states have higher rates.

Form I‑9 must be retained for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination.

Requires proper packaging, labeling, and employee HAZMAT training per 49 CFR 172‑179.

Required for brewing/selling malt beverages. Zoning approval and public hearing prerequisites. Fees current as of FY 2024-2025 schedule at https://www.lcb.pa.gov/Licensing/Fees/Pages/default.aspx.

Limited for <100,000 proof gallons/year; Unlimited unlimited production. Requires TTB permit, fire safety approval, zoning. Fees per 2024-2025 schedule.

Required for breweries/distilleries selling beverages. File via myPATH portal. Renews automatically unless notified.

Register via myPATH. Quarterly returns required.

All businesses with payroll must register.

Must obtain policy or prove exemption. Breweries/distilleries typically require coverage.

Breweries often classified as light manufacturing; site-specific zoning verification needed via ZBA if not permitted by right. Philadelphia Zoning Code § 14-102 Definitions (Brew Pub/Brewery).

Includes plan review for structural, mechanical, plumbing; specific to L&I Building Code based on 2018 IBC.

Complies with 2018 Philadelphia Fire Code (IFC); sprinklers often required for distilleries.

Certifies compliance with building, fire, zoning codes; required for all commercial uses including production breweries.

Must comply with zoning district sign regulations (e.g., max size, illumination).

Required for all LLCs operating in Philadelphia; separate from state LLC registration.

False alarm fees escalate; common for breweries with valuable equipment.

Issued after final L&I, fire inspections; verifies code compliance for brewery operations.

Sole proprietors with no employees are exempt. Business owners may elect coverage for themselves.

Covers bodily injury and property damage arising from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages.

While not a statutory requirement, the LCB’s licensing regulations treat it as a de‑facto requirement.

Includes production volumes, tax paid, and inventory data.

Cash deposit may be used in lieu of a surety bond.

Requirement is codified at 27 CFR 25.13.

Minimum statutory limits: $300,000 bodily injury per person, $600,000 per accident, $100,000 property damage.

Required for all LLCs, including those with no employees, to file federal taxes and open financial accounts.

LLC may elect partnership or corporation treatment; filing deadline depends on election.

Includes Brewer’s Notice (Form 5630.1). Required for any federal‑alcohol‑producing brewery.

Requires submission of Form 5630.2 and detailed plant layout.

Filed using IRS Form 5000.12 (Excise Tax Return) and TTB Form 5000.24 for breweries.

Beverage alcohol is considered a food product under the FSMA.

Many small breweries qualify for exemption, but distilleries with higher solvent use often require a permit.

State agencies often administer NPDES permits under EPA authority.

Relevant standards include Hazard Communication, Process Safety Management for hazardous chemicals, and Respiratory Protection for distillation.