Ortitay Supports Bipartisan Liquor Reform Bill
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) today joined a bipartisan majority of the House in supporting
House Bill 1690, a liquor reform bill that would allow, among other things, for grocery stores to sell wine directly to consumers. The vote was a significant step toward the privatization of Pennsylvania’s state-run liquor system.
“Today’s vote was a huge step in the right direction—the most significant step toward privatization in 80 years,” Ortitay said. “This historic compromise begins the process of getting Pennsylvania out of the liquor business and provides increased convenience for consumers.”
House Bill 1690 would allow for the sale of wine at grocery stores, select restaurants and hotels which purchase the proper licenses. Six-pack shops will also be able to upgrade their licenses to a “full” restaurant license to be able to sell wine as well as beer. The bill includes a series of reforms for liquor and wine sales across the Commonwealth. It also allows private wine wholesalers to sell products directly to Commonwealth customers.
In addition to bringing consumer convenience to wine and liquor sales, the bill would also require a comprehensive study of the valuation of the state store system and various proposals to fully privatize liquor sales in the future.
The liquor reform bill is expected to generate about $150 million in revenue for the state. House Bill 1690 is now on its way to the governor’s desk.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Wagner
717.260.6281
mwagner@pahousegop.com
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