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10/31/2024 08:09 PM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?SPick=20150&chamber=S&cosponId=18596
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: June 19, 2015 11:48 AM
From: Senator David G. Argall
To: All Senate members
Subject: Liquor code reform for medium-sized grocers
 
In the near future, at the request of several constituents, I will introduce legislation that will level the playing field for grocery stores to sell beer on their premises. My proposal will allow medium-sized grocers the same opportunities to sell beer that larger grocers currently have.

As you know, many different suggestions are now being reviewed to change Pennsylvania’s laws regarding beer sales and I believe that this concept has considerable merit.

Currently, many grocery stores are selling beer by the six-pack. They are able to do so by purchasing an “R” retail license and creating a restaurant setting within the grocery store in order to allow for sit down and take-out beer purchases. While this system has not been a problem for the larger grocers who may have significantly more store space, the restaurant requirements in the Liquor Code make it difficult for smaller grocers to compete with the larger grocers in allowing their customers the convenience of purchasing beer in these smaller stores.

My proposal would allow medium size grocers with 35,000-55,000 square feet of floor space to be able to purchase an “R” license and an additional take-out permit to allow medium sized grocers to sell six-packs without having to create a restaurant within their grocery store.

This legislation does not create a new license, it simply allows medium-sized grocers to compete for an available license within the current quota system. Therefore, it does not create undue burden on those currently selling beer in Pennsylvania. Instead, it would simply level the playing field.




Introduced as SB1003


Memo Updated: June 19, 2015 11:52 AM