Alcohol Prices Going Up This Week In PA: What To Know

HARRISBURG, PA — Wine and liquor prices will be increased by 4 percent this week in Pennsylvania, state officials announced, citing the pressures of inflation as well as rising operating costs in recent years.

The increase impacts about 3,550 of the most popular products sold at state liquor stores. The change will go into effect on Jan. 15, meeting the 10-day minimum notice requirement, sparking a frenetic rush by restaurants and other establishments to place bulk orders before the deadline.

"These increases will allow the PLCB to generate revenues needed to offset annual 8 percent increases in operating costs over the last four years, plus projected cost increases in the current year, related to personnel, distribution, leases, and credit card fees, among others," Shawn Kelly, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, said in a statement to Patch.

A 4 percent increase means that a $25 bottle of cabernet sauvignon will now be about $26, and a $12.50 bottle will now be about $13.

The increase comes after Pennsylvania saw wine and liquor sales decease by 3.4 percent in 2021-22, down to $2.1 billion.

The PCLB has not raised prices since 2019. When the agency hiked prices in 2017, it was the first time it had done so in 25 years.

A year prior to that, in 2016, it had given sole discretion over pricing changes over to the board's executive director. Although no formal vote was required, Kelly said the move was unanimously supported by all three Board members.

There are certain exceptions to the price increase, including about 5,600 seasonal and luxury items, and some 2,700 items on clearance. The increase also does not apply to about 100 "PA Proud" locally made items available in just 10 stores.

Efforts have been underway to privatize state liquor stores for years. Republicans have criticized the agency's management and point to the fact that Pennsylvania is just one of two states nationwide that controls liquor sales at the state level. Democrats, including Gov. Tom Wolf's administration, generally support the Board and cite revenue gains.