Millard Votes to Privatize State Liquor System
HARRISBURG – Rep. David Millard (R-Berwick) today announced that the House and the Senate have passed
House Bill 466. The legislation would privatize the state-run liquor system in Pennsylvania, which is one of just two states in the country that maintain full control of the wholesale and retail sale of wine and spirits.
When the bill is signed into law, beer distributors will have six months to obtain wine and liquor permits to sell wine and liquor. The number of permits available is based on the current number of licensed distributors in a county.
After six months, any remaining permits not obtained by distributors will be offered to the general public through auction. Current licensees holding a restaurant or hotel license will also have the ability to obtain a newly created wine enhanced permit and liquor enhanced permit to sell a limited amount of wine and liquor to go.
The plan requires the closure of state-run liquor stores. However, stores will close over time, taking into consideration the availability of private-sector service in the area. Through the sale of license fees to wholesalers and the enhancement of permit fees, approximately $220 million will be generated for the Commonwealth.
The bill is now headed to the desk of Governor Tom Wolf to be signed into law.
Representative David Millard
109th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Wagner
(717) 260-6281
mwagner@pahousegop.com
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