Hair's Indian Fusion Secures Economic Development Liquor License

How being able to sell alcohol is a game changer for Hamir Patel and his restaurant

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

Those wishing to open a new restaurant may want to brace themselves when they read the following statistic. The going rate for a restaurant liquor license is York County is upwards of $500,000. This extravagant price is the direct result of the scarcity of licenses supplied by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). Thankfully, there is a program designed specifically for small businesses – the Economic Development Liquor License (EDLL).

In February 2022, after two years of hard work, Hamir’s Indian Fusion in Downtown York was awarded an EDLL. Each year, York County is eligible to receive just two EDLL’s. “The benefit is that the applicant pays a one-time fee of approximately $50,000 for a non-transferrable license, versus acquiring a license on the open market – a much more competitive and costly proposition”, said Kevin Schreiber, President, and CEO of the YCEA. An applicant must show that he or she “exhausted reasonable means” to acquire a Liquor License. In York County, this requires the applicant to contact at least 50% of the owners of existing licenses to see if they will sell their license.

“The ability to sell alcohol is a game changer. Now we can fully participate in the events of Downtown York, the community we are blessed to be a part of,” shared Hamir Patel.

In the beginning of May, Hamir’s installed a bar and began serving alcoholic beverages. Be sure to stop by for some great food and refreshment!

For more information go to LCB.PA.gov or call the Licensing Information Center at 717.783.8250.

Hamir’s Indian Fusion 24 S. George St York, PA 17401 | hamirs.com | 717.430.4173