Jun. 08, 2016
HARRISBURG – Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) issued the following statement today in response to the governor signing into law historic liquor privatization legislation (
House Bill 1690):
“This historic legislation is a tremendous leap toward bringing Pennsylvania into the 21st century,” said Turzai, the prime sponsor of the legislation. “This privatization bill will bring consumers the added choice and convenience they have been asking for since Prohibition.”
Until this bill became law, Pennsylvania had been one of only two states where government had complete control of the sale of both retail and wholesale sale of wine and liquor. Now, consumers will be able to purchase wine at approximately 300 eligible grocery stores throughout Pennsylvania as well as access direct shipment of wine from any producer or importer licensed from another state or country.
The measure gained broad-based, bipartisan support, passing the House on concurrence yesterday by a vote of 157-31.
“I am confident this law is the first incremental step into a future for which Pennsylvanians have waited far too long,” said Turzai.
Representative Mike Turzai
The Speaker
28th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives