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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 18, 2014 01:00 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Joseph T. Hackett |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Decriminalizing the Transportation of Alcohol (Former HB 2457) |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to amend the Liquor Code. This legislation, introduced last year by Rep. Taylor as HB 2457, would allow Pennsylvania residents to purchase wine, spirits and beer outside of the Commonwealth and transport them back across state lines, provided that they pay all the necessary Pennsylvania taxes on their purchases. It would also allow a Pennsylvania resident to purchase product outside of PA for another resident and be reimbursed for said purchase. The legislation contains provisions to ensure no one would be selling alcohol without a license. As a resident of Delaware County, I know countless individuals who have traveled to Delaware and New Jersey to purchase alcoholic beverages, either because of price or convenience, and broken the law by returning to Pennsylvania with these purchases. This is also an issue for many individuals who may take weekends at the New Jersey or Delaware beaches, purchase items while on vacation and bring the unused portion back home with them. Unfortunately, this is currently illegal and puts many law-abiding folks in jeopardy of being punished unknowingly. Until Pennsylvania decides to put consumers first when it comes to the purchase of alcoholic beverages by allowing for private industry to meet their wants and needs, we should not punish our residents for expressing their right to engage in capitalism. This bill will allow that freedom while also preventing the “border bleed” of tax revenue. Please contact Kevin Andrews in my office (kandrews@pahousegop.com or 610-461-5543) if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration. |
Introduced as HB757