Measure includes sales from certain grocery stores, convenience stores, taverns and local bars
Pennsylvania State Representative Tim O’Neal introduced legislation (HB 1084) to allow the sale of distilled spirits from r-license holders which includes some grocery stores, convenience stores, taverns and bars. All of these outlets currently sell beverage alcohol.
“Pennsylvania drastically lags behind other control states in the number of spirits outlets available to adult consumers,” said David Wojnar, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Senior Vice President and Head of State Public Policy. “The complete closure of PLCB stores during the pandemic, which completely eliminated access to distilled spirits in Pennsylvania, only further highlighted the need for spirits expansion in the commonwealth. In fact, if adult consumers wanted to purchase distilled spirits, they were forced to travel across state lines. Allowing spirits sales from r-license establishments, which already sell beverage alcohol, is a commonsense solution that will enhance consumer convenience, increase state revenue and bring Pennsylvania closer to the national average for retail availability for spirits.”
Pennsylvania currently has 0.68 spirits outlets per 10,000 people, versus a national average of 3.27 spirits outlets per 10,000 people. Pennsylvania also falls short of other control states which average 2.72 spirits outlets per 10,000 people.
“Our small businesses faced economic hardships during the pandemic,” said Representative O’Neal. “My bill would open up further business opportunities for them and expand access for spirits consumers in Pennsylvania. About five years ago, we took important steps forward in reforming the Commonwealth’s archaic liquor system. These changes were successful, and now it is time to take another step forward in increasing choice for consumers.”