Speaker Hails Historic Direct Wine Shipping Access - 25 wineries now selling to PA, more than 100 already applied
HARRISBURG – Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) applauded winery owners from across the nation today, as they become the first permit holders able to send wine directly to Pennsylvania consumers’ homes as a part of his privatization measures in Act 39 of 2016.
“This is an historic and exciting time for consumers and entrepreneurs,” said Turzai. “Consumers can finally select wines for themselves and have it sent directly to their homes while businesses from across the country enjoy their first open access to Pennsylvania markets.”
Prior to Act 39, direct wine shipments had to be delivered to state liquor stores for pick-up by the consumer. With the implementation of Turzai’s bill, Pennsylvania becomes the 44th state to permit direct shipping.
“As of this morning, 25 wineries, including those from California, Oregon, New York, Michigan and Pennsylvania, are now able to ship their products directly to the doors of consumers,” said Turzai. “We fully expect hundreds more to follow as consumers enjoy convenience and choices.”
More than 100 wineries have been reported to have applied. Direct shippers now join 81 Pennsylvania grocery and privately run stores that can sell wine in Pennsylvania. More than 174 such stores have already applied and are expected to have permits in days.
Since 2009, Turzai has led efforts to privatize liquor and wine sales by dismantling the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s total control over both retail and wholesale sales of wine and liquor. Pennsylvania consumers will now be able to buy wine from grocery stores and have wine-to-go from restaurants and hotels as well.
The House first passed full privatization in March 2013, via House Bill 790, but the Senate did not vote on the bill. The House then passed full privatization three additional times this session. The House passed
House Bill 466 on Feb. 25, 2015, where it was slightly amended by the Senate on June 30, 2015, and concurred upon in the House. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf. The House once again passed full privatization,
House Bill 1690, on Nov. 19, 2015.
While the House had initially sought more expansive privatization, in the spirit of compromise, an amended version of Turzai’s House Bill 1690 was passed by the House on June 7, 2016, by a vote of 157-31. That bill was signed into law by the governor June 8, and was effective after 60 days, Aug. 8, 2016, when applications from private-sector businesses started to be received.
“Direct shipments, grocery store wine sales, and wine-to-go in restaurants are just the first steps in delivering full privatization,” said Turzai.
Pennsylvania had once been one of only two states where government had full control over both retail and wholesale sale of wine and liquor.
Representative Mike Turzai
The Speaker
28th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jay Ostrich
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