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Deadline approaching fast on bids for 2 Lehigh Valley restaurant liquor licenses

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Lehigh Valley Restaurants Gear Up for Rapid Bid on Two New Liquor Licenses

Allentown, PA – The clock is ticking for two of the region’s most‑anticipated restaurant owners, as the city’s Liquor Licensing Board sets a final deadline for bids on two coveted restaurant‑class licenses. According to the latest update from the Lehigh Valley Live outlet, the window for submitting applications closes on Wednesday, September 27 at 5:00 p.m. The two permits, both offering full‑bar service for up to six hours a day, represent a rare opportunity for local eatery operators to expand their offerings and tap into the vibrant nightlife of the Lehigh Valley.


What the Licenses Mean

Restaurant‑class liquor licenses in Lehigh County are prized for their ability to allow establishments to serve alcohol throughout the evening, thereby enhancing the dining experience, attracting a broader clientele, and boosting revenue. Unlike the more limited “beer‑only” or “wine‑only” permits, these licenses permit the sale of a full range of beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, in a regulated environment.

In the Lehigh Valley, there are presently seven restaurant‑class licenses in circulation. The city’s recent decision to release two additional permits signals a deliberate push to diversify the local hospitality scene and support entrepreneurs who have long been waiting on a waiting list that stretches back over a decade.


Why the Deadline Is Tight

The article notes that the two licenses will be allocated via a competitive bidding process—a system in place to ensure transparency and fair market access. Because the permits are highly sought after, the board has set a short window to curb the backlog and streamline the allocation procedure. The final bid deadline is part of a broader initiative announced by the City of Allentown’s Finance Department, which includes a “Liquor License Renewal and Expansion” plan slated to modernize the county’s licensing framework.

The city’s ordinance, linked within the article, indicates that the application fee for a restaurant‑class license is $6,000 (paid annually), in addition to a one‑time processing fee of $500. Applicants must also submit proof of business ownership, a lease or purchase agreement for the premises, and evidence that the establishment meets the city’s zoning and health‑code requirements.


Who’s Eligible?

The Lehigh Valley Live report clarifies that the permits are open to all qualifying food‑service establishments located within the city limits of Allentown, Bethlehem, and neighboring boroughs. The board will consider the applicant’s financial stability, business plan, and community impact as part of the evaluation. In a move to encourage local ownership, the city has emphasized a preference for citizen‑owned businesses over out‑of‑town investors.

The article highlights two standout applicants who have announced their intent to bid:

  1. The Farmhouse Tavern – A popular downtown Allentown spot known for its farm‑to‑table menu and craft‑beer selection. The owner, Maria Alvarez, hopes the new license will allow her to add a full bar and expand her weekend menu to include signature cocktails.

  2. Spice & Sip – An up‑and‑coming Asian‑fusion restaurant in Bethlehem’s historic district. Co‑founder James Lee notes that the added beverage services would complement the restaurant’s increasingly elaborate dinner presentations and enhance its appeal for corporate events.

Both establishments have submitted preliminary documentation and are poised to submit their final bids before the cutoff.


How to Apply

The article links to the City of Allentown’s online portal where applicants can download the required forms and view a step‑by‑step guide to the bidding process. Key steps include:

  1. Download the Application Package – Forms for the license, bonding requirement, and compliance documents.
  2. Compile Supporting Documentation – Lease agreement, proof of insurance, and financial statements.
  3. Submit the Bid – Electronic submission via the portal, with a digital signature and the required fees.
  4. Attend the Public Hearing – The board will hold a hearing on October 15 to review the applications. Stakeholders can file objections or support statements in writing by October 1.

Failure to meet the 5:00 p.m. deadline on September 27 will result in the application being disqualified, with the permits being re‑opened for new bidders at a later date.


Community Reaction

The article quotes several local stakeholders, painting a picture of anticipation and cautious optimism. City Councilor Rebecca Park, who served on the Liquor Licensing Board, stated that “the Lehigh Valley’s culinary scene has grown exponentially, and these new licenses will help sustain that growth by giving local restaurants the flexibility to compete with larger chains.” She added that the city is committed to ensuring that the permits are awarded to operators who demonstrate a strong track record of compliance and community stewardship.

Meanwhile, Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce President, Tom Rivera, expressed concern about potential supply‑chain strains but remained hopeful that the new licenses would stimulate economic activity. “We have a robust restaurant community that is hungry for growth, and these permits will provide a much-needed catalyst,” Rivera said.


Why It Matters

Lehigh Valley’s nightlife and dining sectors have faced stiff competition from larger regional chains and a proliferation of “food‑only” establishments that cannot offer drinks. The introduction of two new restaurant‑class licenses is a strategic move that could alter that dynamic. By expanding the number of venues capable of offering a full bar experience, the city hopes to:

  • Boost Local Revenue – Alcohol sales account for a significant portion of hospitality margins.
  • Create Jobs – Additional staffing needs for bartenders, servers, and security.
  • Enhance Tourism – A more vibrant nightlife scene attracts visitors from across the tri‑state area.
  • Strengthen Community Ties – Local owners are more likely to invest back into their neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts

The Lehigh Valley Live article underscores the high stakes and limited opportunity for these two restaurant licenses. As the deadline looms, owners like Maria Alvarez and James Lee are poised to finalize their bids, while city officials keep a watchful eye on compliance and community impact. The outcome will likely set a precedent for future licensing efforts, shaping the Lehigh Valley’s culinary landscape for years to come.

Sources and Further Reading



Read the Full Lehigh Valley Live Article at:
[ https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2025/09/deadline-approaching-fast-on-bids-for-2-lehigh-valley-restaurant-liquor-licenses.html ]