Jun. 10, 2016
HARRISBURG – Liquor reform legislation signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday included a proposal authored by Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) that allows independent colleges and universities in Pennsylvania to conduct wine auction fundraisers. Simmons’ legislation was passed overwhelmingly in the House last year as
House Bill 619.
Simmons’ proposal allows any college or university that is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania to obtain a wine auction permit from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The permit would grant permission to the school to auction bottles or cases of wine, for fundraising purposes, no more than four days per year. The cost of the permit is $30 per day.
“I am pleased our idea was deemed worthy enough to be included in Act 39,” said Simmons. “Now, local institutions such as Cedar Crest College and DeSales University have the option of conducting wine auctions to help in their fundraising efforts. These institutions depend on donations to maintain their operations and it only makes sense they have the same tools available to them as other organizations.”
Under previous law, such wine auction permits were granted to a variety of nonprofit organizations, including hospitals, hospices, the American Red Cross, public television stations, orchestras and museums.
In addition, Act 39 will make numerous other changes to Pennsylvania’s liquor system. The new law allows for wine sales at supermarkets and six-pack beer sales at convenience stores. It also allows direct shipment of out-of-state wine to consumers and permits Pennsylvania wineries to do the same in states with similar laws. Act 39 is expected to generate $150 million in new, non-tax revenue for the state budget.
Representative Justin Simmons
131st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717.260.6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepSimmons.com /
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