Gov. Wolf Signs Liquor Reform Bill, Will Take Effect In 60 Days

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday signed a liquor reform bill that will allow for grocery store wine sales, among other things.

The bill, which takes effect in 60 days, does the following:

• Removes Sunday restrictions and state-mandated holidays.
• Enhances customer loyalty programs and opens up coupons at state stores.
• Provides options for flexible pricing to allow state stores to offer special discounts and sales.
• Allows restaurants and hotels to sell up to four bottles of wine for takeout.
• Allows grocery stores that currently sell beer to sell up to four bottles of wine.
• Allows for direct shipments of wine to people’s homes.
• And makes permanent gas stations’ ability to sell 6 packs.

“This is truly a historic day for Pennsylvania and the most significant step the commonwealth has taken to reform our liquor system in 80 years,” said Wolf. “I want to commend leaders and members from both parties in the House and Senate for coming together to pass this legislation, and today, I am proud to design it into law. As I have always said, my goal is to modernize the sale of liquor and beer in Pennsylvania and this reform package finally brings Pennsylvania’s wine and spirits system into the 21st century.”

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in a statement said it pledged its "cooperative commitment" to successful implementation of the measures. It said it would move "as quickly as possible" in establishing new licensing applications and processes for direct wine shipping, casino licenses and wine permits for hotel and restaurant licensees

“Enactment of this law – which includes initiatives the PLCB has long supported, including flexibility in pricing, extended store hours, expanded Sunday sales, enhanced direct shipping options, loyalty programs, additional couponing opportunities and Pennsylvania Lottery sales at Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores – heralds an exciting new beginning for the PLCB and Pennsylvania consumers of wine, spirits and beer,” said Board Chairman Tim Holden.

Sen. Chuck McIlhinney, the author of the final version of the bill, said it includes measures that Pennsylvania consumers have been requesting for years. "I appreciate the fact that we were able to reach a compromise that responds to the most pressing concerns we hear from community residents," he said.

The bill "is a tremendous leap into bringing Pennsylvanian into the 21st century,” said House Speaker Mike Turzai, the prime sponsor of the legislation. “This privatization bill will bring consumers the added choice and convenience they have been asking for since Prohibition.”

PHOTO: Morguefile