House Moves Proposal Forward to Bring Liquor System Into 21st Century
HARRISBURG – House Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana) voted today in favor of
House Bill 466, which would shut down the old state liquor store system and replace it with more modern, privately owned wine and spirit system.
“This has been a topic of discussion in the General Assembly for decades,” Reed said. “This bill would provide consumers the convenience that they have requested for years, while eliminating a state-run monopoly that has prevented any competition from the private sector.”
House Bill 466 is nearly identical to the legislation passed by the House in March 2013. It includes a series of reforms for beer, liquor and wine sales across the Commonwealth. The bill allows beer distributors to expand their businesses to sell liquor and wine, as well as beer. It also allows private wine wholesalers to sell products to Commonwealth customers. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) would still operate state stores until there are twice as many retail stores compared to current state-operated outlets.
“This bill represents the beginning of a discussion which will include members of the House, Senate and Governor Tom Wolf,” Reed added. “Although a very similar bill passed the House last session, it never came to the Senate floor for a vote. I look forward to discussions with Senate leadership and the governor on the best approach to selling wine and liquor in way that is efficient for our Commonwealth, but that also improves the convenience to consumers.”
To view Rep. Reed’s comments, watch the video.
Pennsylvania’s current liquor system was created more than 80 years ago, in 1933, following the repeal of Prohibition. The Commonwealth is one of only two states, joining Utah, which has a complete monopoly over wholesale and retail operations.
Representative Dave Reed
62nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nick Ruffner
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