In recent years, a Lehighton business has been facing multiple fines and restrictions due to operating without a valid liquor license. On April 13, officers from the Lehighton Borough Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police – Liquor Control Enforcement Division worked together to execute a search warrant at the Pleasure Lounge Restaurant & Bar located at 201 N. First St. During the 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 would be imposed by the PA Liquor Control Enforcement Unit.
The Pleasure Lounge Restaurant & Bar has been under scrutiny for over a year due to the significant number of service-related calls received by the Lehighton Borough Police Department. 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, the owners would be prohibited from renewing their currently expired liquor license. This designation would restrict the business’s ability to operate legally and may have additional consequences for the owners. The situation remains under investigation and further actions are pending.