03/04/1996 02293

LCB LICENSING TECHNICIAN 2

DEFINITION: This is technical work in the regulatory review of liquor license and permit applications in support of the selective licensing program administered by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

An employee in this class conducts routine and moderately complex regulatory reviews of license and permit applications as mandated by the Pennsylvania Liquor Code, subsequent amendments, and by the adoption of Board regulations, precedents, and policies controlling the manufacture, purchase, transportation, storage, delivery, sale, and consumption of liquor, alcohol, and malt or brewed beverages. Work is distinguished from the next lower level by the absence of clerical processing, increased case complexity involving the review and approval of new license applications and involved license status changes, and the performance of duties with a lesser degree of supervisory review. Work involves independently applying the provisions of the Liquor Code and pertinent regulations in reviewing licensing applications, examining investigatory field reports, resolving report and case file discrepancies, and granting approval for issuance, or recommending the denial of, liquor licenses. Work involves considerable contact with agency field personnel and licensees to gather additional information, clarify relevant case issues, and report on the status of applications. Work is performed under the general direction of a superior and is reviewed for conformance to agency policies and applicable provisions of the Liquor Code through conferences and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Reviews, analyzes, and approves or recommends the denial of place to place transfers, license extensions, corrections, change in officers, and exchange of licenses based upon the examination of field reports and related documentation in accordance with all statutory, regulatory, and policy criteria.

Reviews and analyzes license applications, bonds, supporting documents and fees to determine their correct execution and the eligibility of the individual applicant, corporation, and premises to be licensed; examines and determines the acceptability of supporting documents such as agreements of sale, partnership agreements, leases, court orders, IRS seizures, bankruptcy orders, opinions, and liens; and initiates requests for licensing investigations when required.

Reviews application information for adherence to the Liquor Code and its subsequent amendments, summarizing discrepancies in the form of a
decision sheet; prepares correspondence to the applicant regarding deficiencies; and reexamines and approves applications, bonds, and fees when resubmitted following correction by the applicant, their attorney, or a proper bonding company.

Reviews field investigative reports summarizing the applicant's financial records and other legal documents which determine sources of assets, funding, legitimacy of operation, and involvement, if any, in criminal or illegal activity; determines adherence to statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements and if all necessary information is contained in the investigative report, requesting clarification and/or reinvestigation if necessary; and applies obtained information in the review and analysis of a licensing application.

Approves applications for licenses and permits when all statutory and regulatory requirements are met and the application, bond, supporting documentation, and fees are in proper order.

Prepares detailed resumes of cases, including relevant points of law, specific infractions or discrepancies, licensee/premise information extracted from the field investigative report, and a recommendation for action along with an appropriate justification for the proposed action for those applications requiring referral to the governing board for review and decision.

Provides requested case status to applicants, licensees, attorneys, legislators, and agency personnel through written correspondence, electronic mail, and telephone contact; maintains an accurate update on all assigned cases through the Licensing Inquiry and Image Processing Systems.

Maintains a tickler system to assist in caseload management; prioritizes assignments based on type of application, date of receipt, conditions of the application, and/or interested parties.

Issues approvals and authority to operate and arranges for delivery via mail, facsimile equipment, personal messenger, or overnight mail delivery services.

Examines license files for complaints, convictions, citations, suspensions, appeals, hearings, and any other irregularities or pending actions which affect the eligibility of the applicant and/or premises.

Maintains an accurate and current data base of applicable laws, regulations, court opinions, Board decisions, and Bureau of Licensing policy for reference in rendering licensing decisions.

Provides technical support and assistance to the Licensing Information Center and responds to inquiries from applicants, licensees, attorneys, legislators, and the general public via the Board's Uniform Call Distribution Network.

Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the prescribed procedures and requirements of Civil Law, the Pennsylvania Liquor Code and Title 40, Pennsylvania Code.

Knowledge of Board regulations, precedents, and policies governing the selective liquor licensing program.

Skill in applying a variety of legal, compliance, and regulatory procedures and practices in the daily processing and/or review of license and permit applications.

Skill in utilizing a variety of automated licensing systems to effectively manage an assigned caseload and render accurate and timely decisions.

Ability to incorporate the statutes of the PA Liquor Code and its Regulations in the processing of applications and review of field investigative reports.

Ability to apply accepted caseload management techniques in order to maintain a current status on assigned projects, applications, and permit reviews.

Ability to utilize independent judgement on all transactions assigned for processing, setting priorities based upon established time frames.

Ability to review applications, correspondence, and reports and determine acceptability for processing through the Licensing Image Processing System.

Ability to process to final conclusion all cases meeting statutory and regulatory requirements.

Ability to compose a variety of correspondence, including responses to applicants, licensees, attorneys, and the general public.

Ability to review complex LCB Licensing Analyst investigative field reports, extract pertinent information, and apply that information against the provisions of the Liquor Code in rendering an informed decision.

Ability to comprehend and interpret a large variety of liquor licensing and industry-related legal documents.

Ability to prepare concise summaries of complex cases including all pertinent information, and prepare a valid recommendation for action based on a review of the relevant case facts.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency personnel, superiors, licensees, attorneys, industry representatives, and the general public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as an LCB Licensing Technician 1;

                                                                                                                                                   or

Four years of clerical or administrative experience supporting a legal, licensing, or other regulatory program requiring the application of statutes, program policies, and industry regulations, and graduation from high school;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.