York County House Republicans Push for Further Reforms to System of Wine and Spirit Sales
HARRISBURG – On Tuesday, the state House advanced the following four pieces of legislation that would continue efforts to reform Pennsylvania’s outdated system of selling wine and spirits:
- House Bill 438 - Would establish a spirit expanded permit for holders of restaurant and hotel liquor licenses.
- House Bill 975 - Would remove the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) from the wholesale wine business and create new wholesale wine and retail wine licenses.
- House Bill 991 - Would create a retail store license for the sale of wine and spirits.
- House Bill 1075 - Would reduce the price of liquor products by further removing the PLCB from the purchase and distribution chain.
The York County House Republican delegation, consisting of state Reps. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam), Seth Grove (R-Dover), Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township) and House Appropriations Committee Majority Chairman Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion), issued the following statement in reaction to the bills, which each passed on predominantly party-line votes:
“There is no issue that draws statewide support from a larger, more diverse group of citizens than the desire to get Pennsylvania out of the liquor business. Allowing the PLCB to promote the sale of liquor AND police its consumption is like a farmer who allows the fox to guard his henhouse. It’s a business model that must cease to exist.
“Current law forces consumers to travel unnecessary distances to purchase wine or spirits. House Bills 438, 975 and 991 create new licenses that expand options for consumers and retailers. In particular, House Bill 975 allows local grocery stores to sell wine and expands the amount that may be purchased over the counter. Combined with House Bill 1075, this package of legislation also gets rid of the PLCB’s monopoly over supply, delivery and price – good news for businesses and the people who frequent them.
“Opponents of these bills often cite the ability of the existing system to generate revenue on a consistent basis. What they fail to point out is the system’s ever-increasing costs associated with operation. These bills reduce the price of doing business in Pennsylvania, which is a deterrent to economic growth and consumer confidence.
“House Bills 438, 975, 991 and 1075 bring us closer to a 21st century business model. We hope our Senate colleagues agree.”
York County House Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com