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Oakland Bar Owners Face Criminal Charges for Operating Without Liquor License

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Jan 17, 2025 | 0 Comments

The owners of the Oakland nuisance bar, Panther Pit, are facing criminal charges for allegedly violating Pennsylvania liquor laws. They will face trial for operating the bar without a liquor license. The bar was shut down for a year after a complaint was filed by the Allegheny County District Attorney, alleging the bar operated as an unlicensed speakeasy.

In September, the bar was raided and shut down, confiscating nearly 350 gallons of liquor and 80 gallons of beer. The Allegheny County Health Department ordered the bar to close for numerous health code violations, including rat droppings in the basement — and a sewage backup in the kitchen.

The LLF Law Firm has successfully assisted many individuals facing criminal charges for operating without a liquor license in Pennsylvania. If you believe you've been falsely accused or if you've made a serious error, contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team immediately at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form and we will be in touch.

Criminal Charges for Operating Without Liquor License

Operating a business without a valid liquor license is a serious offense that can lead to significant legal consequences. In Pennsylvania, liquor laws are strictly enforced, and those caught can face criminal charges, fines, and potential jail time.

Why so strict? Because operating without a license is considered a violation of state and local regulations, which ensure public safety, health, and responsible alcohol distribution. License law violations can include serving alcohol to minors, serving intoxicated individuals, or failing to comply with local zoning laws. Businesses must also ensure they meet health and safety standards, including cleanliness and food handling regulations, as violations can result in fines or forced closure.

In Pennsylvania, liquor license violations are typically classified as misdemeanors, but they can escalate depending on the severity of the offense. It's important for business owners in the hospitality industry to fully understand and comply with liquor laws to avoid legal repercussions, significant financial losses, or long-term damage to their reputations.

Facing Criminal Charges? Here's How LLF Law Firm Can Help

If you're dealing with criminal charges for operating without a liquor license in Pennsylvania, it's essential to secure an experienced defense team to help guide you throughout the criminal defense process.

Our Criminal Defense Team is dedicated to protecting your rights. If you've been wrongly accused or if you've made an error, we're here to help you understand the entire criminal process in Pennsylvania, making sure you get the strongest defense possible.

We provide personalized support and strategic counsel tailored to your unique situation. Reach out to the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team by giving us a call at 888-535-3686 or fill out a contact form today.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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