House Liquor Control Committee Expands Outlets, Increases Consumer Convenience
The Distilled Spirits Council today lauded legislation passed by the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee, which expands the number of outlets allowed to sell spirits in Pennsylvania.
The legislation, HB 438 and HB 991, allows limited off-premise spirits sales in restaurant licenses and creates additional off-premise outlets, known as “franchise licenses,” for wine and spirits.
“We commend the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee for advancing efforts to better serve the Commonwealth’s consumers,” said Distilled Spirits Council Vice President of State Government Relations David Wojnar. “The Council supports expanding the number of outlets allowed to sell spirits in Pennsylvania and these bills build on the momentum of Act 39 by allowing spirits sales in grocery stores, beer retailers and restaurants.
“With these common-sense solutions, the PLCB can generate more revenue without raising prices on distilled spirits and consumers get the convenience they want in one-stop shopping,” Wojnar concluded.
According to an economic analysis by the Council, adding 900 spirits outlets would net the state $100 million in additional revenue. Pennsylvania currently has 0.67 spirits outlets per 10,000 population, versus a national average of 3.80 spirits outlets per 10,000 population, which is considered critically underserved.