Alcohol License Fees Increase in the Township

Members of the Washington Township council unanimously approved an ordinance Monday increasing the alcoholic beverage consumption license fees in the township, effective July 1.

Mayor Janet Sobkowicz explained that several years ago the administration researched what other municipalities were charging and what the state allowed and found that the township charged much less for its alcoholic beverage consumption licenses. The state allows municipalities to raise the fees 20 percent per year until they reach the maximum.

"That's why you've seen this on the agenda the last several years," she said.

A retail consumption license in the township will now cost $2,500 annually. The retail distribution license costs $2,054 and a club license is $63. Township Clerk Mary Ann Ozment explained a club license is granted to organizations to serve alcohol at functions.

The township currently has eight liquor licenses being used. Three are club licenses--for the , and --and five are consumption licenses, Ozment said. One is currently unused.

Ozment said the state sets the number of liquor licenses for each municipality based on population. She added that a municipality doesn't lose liquor licenses once the state sets the number, even if the population decreases.

"We have more than we really should have," Ozment said.