Friday, November 30, 2018

Cinemaworld OK’d for alcohol sales

View Original Article Here

11/28/2018


LINCOLN – Moviegoers at Cinemaworld at the Lincoln Mall will soon be able to purchase a beer with their popcorn after the Town Council passed the movie theater’s application for a liquor license on Tuesday night.
Council members debated whether or not to allow alcohol sales at their October meeting, eventually deciding to defer the conversation to this month’s meeting to gather more information. At the time, Town Council President Keith Macksoud said he wanted to hear from other communities’ police departments on whether or not serving alcohol at the movie theater created problems.
At the request of Town Administrator Joseph Almond, the Lincoln Police Department reached out to leaders in a number of municipalities that have passed proposals to serve liquor, including Burlington, Woburn, Tyngsborough, Haverhill, Newton, Dedham, all in Massachusetts, and two Cinemaworld theaters in Florida. There were no concerns reported by the towns that responded to the survey, according to police.

Burlington reported “no issues,” while Woburn said it has not been a problem for the past five or six years since the theater was granted approval to sell alcoholic beverages. Newton, which has a “Lux Level” theater where patrons are served food and drinks, also reported “no issues or violations.” Both police departments contacted in Florida reported no alcohol violations or “negative contacts with theater and/or their management.”
Cinemaworld Lincoln’s BV(victualers) license application passed with a number of restrictions, including an amendment to limit service to one drink per ID and two IDs per person. The hours of operation would be noon to 11:30 p.m., and patrons must be 21 or older to enter the theater’s bar area.
The bar will be built out of a former party room, according to theater officials, and will have a glass wall so parents can keep an eye on their underage children outside.
With the amendments, the motion to approve Cinemaworld’s application for a BV license passed 4-1, with Councilor Jim Jahnz voting against. Before the motion passed, he asked whether the town would be liable if someone at the theater is over-served. Town Solicitor Anthony DeSisto said liability could potentially attach to the town based on the fact that a police detail is assigned to the theater.
Jahnz also asked about the possibility of limiting drinks to a lux level, but a representative for the theater said that style, which is featured in Dedham and at Patriot Place in Foxboro, Mass., was more of a “prototype,” noting that newer locations in North Attleboro and Warwick do not do that. 
Councilor Arthur Russo commended Capt. Phil Gould for reaching out to multiple municipalities, noting that all of them reported no alcohol-related incidents.
“This is exactly, I think, what the council was looking for,” he said. “…to do our homework before we grant anything. I’m very comfortable with the results.”
Councilor Bruce Ogni described the report as “much more extensive than I expected and alleviated most of my concerns.”
Macksoud voted in support of the application, as long as there is a two-drink limit, that the bar area is off-limits to those under age 21, and that everyone must present an ID.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Target, Walmart file rule challenge for ‘whiskey and Wheaties’

View Original Article Here


Target and Walmart are heading to court to get an administrative law judge to give them what Gov. Rick Scott wouldn’t: The ability to sell whiskey and Wheaties in the same store. 
The big-box retailers late Monday filed an administrative challenge against the state’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages And Tobacco (ABT).

At issue: The state’s obscure, 24-year-old “Restaurant Rule,” which restricts eateries and other businesses that have ‘consumption on premises’ liquor licenses from selling anything other than items “customarily sold in a restaurant.” The plaintiffs say the rule is “not supported by logic or necessary facts.”
For over eight decades, Florida law — enacted after Prohibition — has required retailers to sell hard liquor in a separate store, though beer and wine can be sold in grocery aisles.
The current end game is that retailers selling ready-to-eat food, such as Costco, would be able to use consumption on premises licenses normally granted to restaurants to avoid the prohibition on selling booze in the same space as other goods.
(Costco isn’t involved in the current case, but has also been fighting the battle. One of its Florida stores was denied a consumption on premises license earlier this year.)
Bills have been filed since 2014 to remove the wall of separation between hard liquor and other items. Last year, legislation barely passed both chambers only to get vetoed by Scott, who said it’d be a job killer for small businesses, many of whom would likely be overwhelmed by big-box stores’ superior selling power.
Attorneys for the GrayRobinson law firm, which has represented Costco in Florida, filed the petition challenging the Restaurant Rule on behalf of Target and Walmart, each of which “operate(s) numerous locations in the state of Florida that are licensed as restaurants.”
“In effect, the Rule forecloses (them) from obtaining a consumption on premises license,” the petition says.
ABT’s rule defines items “customarily sold in a restaurant” as only “ready to eat appetizer items, ready to eat salad items, ready to eat entrĂ©e items, ready to eat vegetable items, ready to eat fruit items (and) hot or cold beverages.” State law, however, is silent.
In any case, the state “has granted hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for consumption on premises licenses for entities that sell items beyond those identified in the Rule,” the petition says.
“Applications that have been approved include ones for golf country clubs, hotels, casinos, movie theatres, retail stores, sports complexes, bowling alleys, and senior living complexes, among others, all of which, in addition to ready to eat foods and beverages and lottery tickets, sell merchandise like golf clubs, clothing, toiletries, jewelry, fashion accessories, movie tickets, cosmetic products and other items similar to those sold by petitioners.”
Also joining the challenge is the TopGolf “golf entertainment” chain, which has five locations in Florida.
State regulators have “also recently informed TopGolf that its Florida locations, which are licensed for consumption on premises, are prohibited from selling items other than those identified in the Rule, despite the fact that TopGolf has been selling such items since opening each location in Florida,” the petition says.
ABT “was fully aware of such sales at the time it issued the licenses to TopGolf. Yet, the Division has now decided to selectively enforce the Rule against TopGolf and other similar restaurant retailers.”
The case has not yet been assigned to a judge at the Division of Administrative Hearings.
An attorney representing PublixABC Fine Wine & Spirits, and the Florida Independent Spirits Association, all of which oppose tearing down the wall, warned regulators at a rule-making workshop earlier this year. 
“The purpose of rule-making is to interpret statutes, not to get around laws that a party does not like,” said William Hall of the Jones Walker firm. “The (state) should reject this attempt to use rule-making to usurp the legislative process.”
Jim Rosica covers state government from Tallahassee for Florida Politics. He previously was the Tampa Tribune’s statehouse reporter. Before that, he covered three legislative sessions in Florida for The Associated Press. Jim graduated from law school in 2009 after spending nearly a decade covering courts for the Tallahassee Democrat, including reporting on the 2000 presidential recount. He can be reached at jim@floridapolitics.com.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

9 Arepas Attains Full Quota License

Our Broward County client, 9 Arepas, has secured their quota license. This license permits the Pembroke Pines establishment to sell beer, wine, and spirits (liquor).

License owners pay an annual license fee. The state does not set the price for a license, itself, on the open market. It is decided by supply and demand. A transfer fee, which is not to exceed $5000, is also enforced.

Contact us for your liquor licensing needs. Whether you need to buy, sell, or seek financing, we have the tools for you to succeed. See a full list of services here.

info@liquorlicensefl.com
866-470-8881

How much does a 4COP liquor license cost in Florida?

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Congratulate The Brass Tap On Miami Opening



We would like to congratulate our client, The Brass Tap, in Miami, Florida. Thank you for allowing us to assist you with your food and beverage licensing needs.

Visit them at 9010 SW 72nd Place, Miami, FL 33156

Contact us to assist you with your liquor licensing needs.

info@liquorlicensefl.com
866-470-8881

Friday, August 31, 2018

Enjoy A Drink And Time Away From The Office On Labor Day


Labor Day festivities are a great time to take kick back, spend time with friends, eat delicious food, and most of all, enjoy a good drink or two. Many people will be seeking to improve their gatherings with alcoholic beverages on their time away from work. You should be prepared to serve it up.

Liquor License FL has the ability to make sure you're covered. Benefit from our smooth, quick process. Don't miss out on potential sales. We know what it's like to open a new business, so let us handle the bureaucratic hurdles, saving you time and money.

See a full list of our services here.

Contact us now to help you buy the liquor license your establishment needs.

info@liquorlicensefl.com
866-470-8881

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Congratulations to our New Licensees - 8/28

We are proud to announce our most recent licensees. We would like to congratulate them for completing steps towards improving their business via liquor sales. By working with us at Liquor License FL, they are able to to sell alcohol based on their establishment's needs.

See licensees listed below:

9 Arepas - Pembroke Pines - 4COP quota license
Bayside Liquors - 312 W Ardice Ave, Eustis, FL 32726 - 4COP quota license
Annie B's - 8501 Placida Rd Unit a4, Placida, FL - 4COP-SFS
Cinema 31 Studios - 2172 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 - upgraded to 4COP quota license
Foremost Liquors & Wines - 644 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL - new location, 3PS license
Isabella's Bistro - 6800 Placida Rd, Englewood, FL - beer and wine 2COP - and food service licensing
Rusty's Raw Bar Cape Coral - 4631 SE 10th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33904 - upgrade to 4COP quota license
Stuart Boathouse - 49 SW Seminole St, Stuart, FL 34994- 4COP SFS license


Call today for information on buying, selling, or refinancing a quota license.

See our full list of services here.

info@LiquorLicenseFL.com
866-470-8881

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

3 Types of Liquor Licenses You Should Know

2COP: This type of license allows your establishment to sell beer and wine for consumption on premises as well as package sales. Your customers may consume them inside or outside of your establishment. This is typically used for restaurants and bars.

Keep in mind, the price depends on your location and population. However, the annual renewal fee is $392 in a majority of Florida's counties.

4COP-SFS (Special Food Service License): Consumption on premise ONLY beer, wine, and spirits. You must meet the requirements which are the same across 90% of Florida. These requirements are a venue of 2,500 square feet or more, licensed to serve 150 persons or more with division of hotel and restaurants, and must maintain 51% or more of gross sales in food and non alcoholic beverages (49% or less beer, wine, and spirits.

4COP/3PS Quota License: This is the highest series available in Florida. Restaurants, bars, and lounges who want to sell liquor in addition to beer and wine need the 4COP license. It allows consumption on/off premises and package sales of beer, wine, and spirits. If an establishment plans to engage in bottle sales for off site consumption, the 4COP license is required.

Thanks to the way that these license are distributed, you will have limited competition in your sector. Prices are based on supply and demand. Therefore, you can expect to pay between $50,000-$700,000 depending on the county you operate in. Don't worry. Third party financing is available with no credit check required. 

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More information is available about each license at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/

Plan ahead and give your self plenty of time to secure the license you need. You don't want to wait until the last minute as sometimes licenses are hard to come by. When you need assistance in buying, selling, or financing a license, contact us at Liquor License FL.

See our full list of services here.

866-470-8881
info@LiquorLicenseFL.com

Monday, July 30, 2018

North Miami Beach Commissioner Arrested on Liquor License Bribery Charges

Gov. Rick Scott has suspended North Miami Beach commissioner Frantz Pierre after his arrest on charges of bribery and money laundering

On top of that, the North Miami Beach Commissioner is also in legal trouble for an alleged attempt to steal thousands of public dollars which was intended for  an after-school program that did not exist.

Pierre is charged with single counts of bribery, unlawful compensation, an organized scheme to defraud, and grand theft along with seven counts of money laundering. He was suspended from office by Florida Governor Rick Scott with an executive order that prohibits him from receiving a city paycheck or benefits.

"He sold his vote," states Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, via Miami Herald.

Investigators claim Pierre texted Dean Tyler, owner of Dean's Gold gentleman's club: "Mail $7-8K to Frantz Pierre at 821 NE 121 Street, NORTH MIAMI, FL 33162. BE FOREVER BLESSED"

" I just put a check for $7,000 in the mail," Tyler reportedly responded. "It will go out tomorrow."


"Thank you so much. That will not be forgotten," Pierre reportedly wrote.


Investigators have evidence that Tyler and Pierre also met at the strip club to discuss the deal. Tyler needed Pierre to change his mind about allowing him to get a license to keep the strip club open until 6 a.m.


"Pierre had voted against the 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Business Tax Receipt for Dean's Gold in 2013, but then he voted for the 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Business Tax Receipt in 2014, in 2015 and again in 2016," said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle.

Pierre's attorney responded to the allegations quickly, saying his client was innocent and that he'd like to speak with Tyler to gain insight into the claims that Pierre solicited money for votes.

"Commissioner Pierre asserts the has done nothing wrong," Kuene said. "He's always acted in the public interest and we will investigate the allegations."

Investigators accuse Pierre of asking Tyler to donate $9,865 to Community Hope for Children and Families in Need, a non-for-profit owned by Jacquelin Alexis, who also owns Psychoed & Consultation Services. Alexis is accused of giving $5,250 to Pierre.


Alexis also solicited $5,000 from the city for an after-school tutoring program that investigators say doesn't exist. After the city issued $2,000 from Pierre's discretionary fund with the commission to Community Hope for Children and Families in Need, investigators say Alexis paid Pierre $2,905.

"This program was used, it was used, as a means of laundering additional money that was provided to commissioner Pierre," Fernandez-Rundle said.

Investigators say Pierre knew he was involved in bribery, unlawful compensation, and an organized scheme to defraud when he accepted four checks from Tyler and three checks from Alexis. Officers also arrested Alexis on one count of grand theft.

Miami-Dade county Judge Renata S. Francis cleared the way for Pierre to post 435,000 bond. His attorney first had to prove the money being used was clean.

ABC 10

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Sarasota Italian Eatery Owners Plan to open Sister Restaurant

A new dining and drinking option is on the way for Sarasota residents


Cassariano Italian Eatery owners, Luca Cassani and Antonio Pariano, announce plans to open a sister restaurant near The Mall at University Then Center at 243 North Cattlemen Road in late September. A blend of bistro flavors and fine cuisine will be the main features their authentic contemporary dishes.



Reported by the Herald Tribune, the new facility will have 220 seats inside and out in a "cozy yet classy" setting. Patrons should expect warm lighting, Italian pictures, and copper accents in the bar area that provides a full offering of beer, wines, and cocktails.

Cassariano will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If you are interested in improving sales at your restaurant/establishment by serving alcohol, please contact us at Liquor License FL. We have the tools and resources to get you set up efficiently with a liquor license. Contact us today!

Also, see our full list of services here.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Fort Myers Downtown House of Pizza to expand, add craft beer bar

The heavily-frequented downtown pizza parlor is known for it's good eats, but also tight space. The long standing Downtown House of Pizza plans to double in size this fall.

"The goal is to give people more space to dine," says owner Jason Kohn. "we're also adding a second oven, that's a huge component of this."

Kohn wants to debut the expanded property in September or October, depending on permits and construction speed. They plan to remain open during most of the renovation, but will have to close for a few days when the kitchen is expanded.

The most notable news is the addition of craft beer. "We're going to put in a craft beer bar for customers to enjoy. That'll be kind of in the middle between the new dining room and the current location," Kohn said. "We want to be more accessible all-around."

Kohn opened Downtown House of Pizza in August 2005. Sold as whole pies or by the slice, the restaurant is known for its scratch-made, hand-tossed, New York-style pizzas.

Kohn states that the small restaurant can turn out close to 1,000 pizzas on busy days. With a second oven and expanded area, the business will be able to improve on their previous success.

"This has been a long time coming," he said. "We've needed this."

Downtown House of Pizza is at 1520 Hendry St.; call 337-3467 or visit http://downtownhouseofpizza.com for more info.

The News-Press

Monday, July 9, 2018

26 restaurants in Fort Myers, Naples earned awards for best wine lists

Lee and Collier County wine lovers have some new additions to make to their favorite restaurant list. The New-Press reports on Wine Spectator Magazine's winners of the Restaurant Awards. This annual competition honors restaurants with the best wine lists, internationally.

Twenty six restaurants in Lee and Collier Counties (18 in Naples) earned recognition. That's an outstanding accomplishment considering more than 3,700 dining destinations in the U.S. and more than 75 countries made the list of winners.

Sale E Pepe Restaurant on Marco Island was awarded a Best of Award of Excellence this year from Wine spectator Magazine. (Photo: Corey Perrine/Naples Daily News)
Each year, panel. comprised of expert judges considers variables like location and quality of wine producers, price, style, menu pairings, service and number of selections.

Naples Bleu Provence earns the Grand Award for the fourth consecutive year in a row. This select distinction (only belongs to 91 restaurants worldwide) honors the best wine programs including top producers, harmony with the menu, and superior presentation.

The French and Mediterranean restaurant opened near downtown Naples in the year 1999 by Jacques and Lysielle Cariot.

"We are thrilled to be included in this select group," Bleu Provence states via news release. "Celebrating our fourteenth year of being recognized and awarded by Wine Spectator is something we once dreamed of."

More: Search all of the 2018 Restaurant Award winners

See the list of Southwest Florida restaurants honored in wine Spectator's 2018 Restaurant Awards here.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Bacardi Rum Heiress Sells $19 Million Coral Gables Mansion

Hilda Maria Bacardi, whose family owns the Bacardi Rum franchise, sold her Coral Gables mansion Thursday for $19 million. That figure is $8 million less than it was first asking, according to listing records. 
The great, great granddaughter of Bacardi Rum founder, Facundo BacardĂ­ MassĂ³, listed the property in 2016 for $27 million and then re-listed it for $25 million in 2017.
Ms. Bacardi, 49, purchased the property in 1994 for $3.9 million, according to property records.

After an eight-year renovation was completed in 2016, the property was expanded into a 12-bedroom, 14-bath mansion. Miami-based architecture firm Portuondo Perotti designed the estate. They incorporated Honduran mahogany doors and handmade copper exterior lighting.
The “Casa Costanera,” located on 300 Costanera Road is a Mediterranean-style estate boasting over 20,000 square feet of livable space. Located in the southeast corner of the exclusive Cocoplum Island in South Coral Gables, it is situated on a 1.3-acre plot of land and backs up to the canals of Lago Maggiore connecting to the Biscayne Bay. With 480 feet of water frontage, the property borders a stone pier on its southern end, just past the property’s multi-lane lap pool.
Barbara Estela and Hilda Jacobson of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, the listing agents associated with the property, declined to comment.

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Happy Cinco De Mayo!!!


Don't go another year without upgrading to full spirits! Add a 4COP Liquor License to your location and watch the cash roll in!!! Call an agent today to find out how we can upgrade you!!
239-205-4770
2122 Victoria Ave
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Florida Owned and Operated Since 2010

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Did you miss out on the revenue from St. Patricks Day?

Don't worry, you still have time to upgrade to full spirits and be licensed before Cinco de Mayo!! Call one of our licensing specialist to find out how to secure your Liquor License in Florida. We are a Florida based company at your service. For more info, call us today at 239-205-4770.
2122 Victoria Ave, Fort Myers FL 33901

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Need a Beer & Wine License?

Call us today to find out how to secure a liquor license to offer distilled spirits. Your bank account will thank you!!!

407-953-0034
info@LiquorLicenseFL.com


Tuesday, March 13, 2018

One Stop Liquor License Source - Statewide

Liquor License FL is a Florida based source for all of your Liquor Licensing needs. We offer application assistance, license brokerage and much more!!

If your selling your business or starting a new one, call us to make sure your licensing is within the mandated guidelines. It could save you time, headaches, and most importantly - money!!! To speak with a licensing consultant, reach out today!!

LiquorLicenseFL.com
2122 Victoria Ave
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-205-4770

Friday, February 23, 2018

Bay County 4COP/3PS Quota Liquor License


Now available is a clean quota liquor license for use in Bay County. Upgrade your establishment to full spirits. Call to find out how we can help!!

407-953-0034

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Reduced Price - Collier County Quota 4COP/3PS License


Save Now! Price reduced on a clean Collier County Liquor License. Financing is available. Call 239-205-4770 to find out how you can save.

2122 Victoria Ave, Ste A
Fort Myers, FL 33901

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Renewal Time is Here

Its that time again to renew your alcoholic beverage licenses in South Florida. You can pay renewal over the phone directly to DBPR. The number to make payment is 850-487-1395 then press 1,1,0,2 once recording starts. They will need your license number in order to receive payment.

Call us for all of your alcoholic beverage licensing needs!!
LiquorLicenseFL.com
239-205-4770
2122 Victoria Ave, Ste A
Fort Myers, FL 33901

Thursday, February 8, 2018

The Simple Solution to Your Licensing Needs

Liquor, beer, and wine licenses are available for a majority of Florida counties. Call today to see how we can assist in getting your business up and running!!!

239-205-4770
LiquorLicenseFL.com
2122 Victoria Ave, Ste A
Fort Myers, FL 33901

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

The difference is professionalism


Unleash your full earning potential with a Quota Liquor License. For a hassle free transaction, call Liquor License FL and be our main priority!!!

239-205-4770
LiquorLicenseFL.com
2122 Victoria Ave, Ste. A, Ft. Myers, FL 33901