Credit: Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
What Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf called “historic” legislation involving the expansion of state’s liquor laws is making its way to his desk.
House Bill 1690 a has made its way through the state House of Representatives and Senate and will be heading to the governor’s desk. The proposal is a compromise that comes after years of debate.
The legislation would keep the current state-run liquor store system is place and expand alcohol sales at grocery stores and eateries. In addition, it would modify regulations on state store hours of operation and relax restrictions on casinos.
“Today the House concurred with the Senate on historic liquor modernization legislation that provides greater customer convenience to the people of Pennsylvania. As I have always said, my goal is to modernize the sale of liquor and beer in Pennsylvania to ensure convenience and satisfaction for customers,” Wolf said in a statement.
Despite the governor’s statement, he did not say he would sign the legislation into law. Instead, he stated he will “conduct a final review of the legislation to ensure it meets my goals of enhancing the customer experience, increasing much-needed revenue to help balance our budget, and bringing our wine and spirits system into the 21st century.”
Local state representatives Steve Santarsiero (D-31) and Scott Petri (R-178) did not register a vote on the legislation. State senators Tommy Tomlinson (R-6) and Chuck McIlhinney (R-10) also voted to move the bill forward.
What the bill includes:
- State stores will no longer have restricted hours and be closed on state holidays
- More stores will be able to open for business on Sundays (currently, nearly 75 percent are closed on Sunday)
- Casinos can sell beer, liquor and wine 24/7, and beer, liquor and wine can be served for free at certain events
- Grocery stores currently selling beer will be authorized to sell up to four bottles of wine for take-out
- Eateries and hotels with permission can sell up to four bottles of wine for take-out
- State stores are able to offer coupons, special sales and loyalty programs
