Reforming the state’s liquor system is in the spotlight again –– and state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, said lawmaker efforts revolve around improving consumer convenience and removing the government from the alcohol business.
Four bills that passed this week will now go to the state Senate, but Causer said he isn’t sure when the measures would be considered.
“We started this process last year when a law was passed allowing consumers to have wine shipped directly to their homes and to purchase it in licensed grocery stores,” he said. “The bills we passed this week, if they are signed into law, would give consumers more options about where to purchase spirits and allow the licensing of privately owned wine and spirit retail stores.”
For his part, Gov. Tom Wolf’s press secretary J.J. Abbott said Wolf is against the four bills.
“He is currently focused on allowing the consumer-centric reforms enacted last year to be fully implemented and ensuring the PLCB (Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board) is working to maximize returns and consumer convenience,” he said.
The four measures include House Bill 975, which would “free the wine” in Pennsylvania, by allowing grocery stores — not only those with seating — the chance to obtain a permit to sell wine. The bill also permits retailers to buy their wine from private sector wholesalers, brokers and makers of wine, not from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
House Bill 991 would create and make available wine and spirit retail store licenses. This measure would allow private entrepreneurs to sell wine and liquor through a new class of state-awarded retail licenses designed to increase customer convenience and choices.
House Bill 438 would permit businesses with restaurant or hotel licenses already selling up to four bottles of wine to-go to also be permitted to do the same with spirits.
House Bill 1075 would provide for the divestiture of the wholesale system for wine and spirits.
“Pennsylvania should be out of the business of selling wine and spirits,” House Speaker Mike Turzai said in a prepared statement. “Our willingness to move Act 39 was a vote of faith that, once everyone saw the benefits of grocery store wine sales and direct shipment firsthand, the governor and others would be ready to finish the journey to privatization. These bills passed today move Pennsylvania further into the 21st century, providing customer convenience, better product selection and competitive pricing.”
In 2016, some reforms were enacted that included removing Sunday restrictions and state-mandated holidays; allowing restaurants and hotels to sell up to four bottles of wine for take-out; allowing grocery stores that sell beer to sell up to four bottles of wine; allowing for direct shipments of wine to people’s homes; and allowing gas stations to permanently be able to sell six-packs.
