Lehighton Nuisance Bar Fined for Operating Without Liquor License; Police Uncover Thousands in Alcohol in Joint Investigation

In April, the Pleasure Lounge Restaurant & Bar located at 201 N. First St. in Lehighton was fined for operating without a valid liquor license. On that day, officers from the Lehighton Borough Police Department assisted the Pennsylvania State Police – Liquor Control Enforcement Division in executing a search warrant at the restaurant. During a joint investigation, it was discovered that the business had been operating without a valid liquor license. As a result, police confiscated between $25,000 to $30,000 worth of alcohol and indicated that several administrative fines will be imposed by the PA Liquor Control Enforcement Unit.

Over the past year, the Lehighton Borough Police Department has received a significant number of service-related calls involving the Pleasure Lounge Restaurant & Bar. In 2023, there were 61 service-related calls, with an additional 22 documented service calls in 2024. These calls varied in nature, from complaints of loud music to instances of active violent disturbances involving weapons. Due to the frequency and severity of these incidents, Lehighton Police have been collaborating with the PA Liquor Control Board to categorize this business as a “nuisance bar.”

If officially labeled as such, owners would be prohibited from renewing their currently expired liquor license and may face additional consequences. The situation remains under investigation and further actions are pending.