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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	September 8, 2020 05:24 PM
From:	Senator Daniel Laughlin
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Modernizing the Liquor Code

Many of us are familiar with and understand the history and importance of the three-tier system that exists in Pennsylvania.  The existence of this system provides consumer safeguards, commercial benefits, and a streamlined approach for regulations.  While alcoholic beverage distribution regulations vary by product, type of beer is the only beverage where a distribution agreement between a manufacturer and a wholesaler exists in perpetuity.   Over the last few years, many aspects of our Liquor Code and liquor sales have been modernized.  It is time that this antiquated language in our code regarding contracts between manufacturers and wholesalers be updated, as well as ensuring the plethora of new products entering the marketplace are catalogued and correctly accounted for within the three-tier system.   In order to modernize the beer supply chain in Pennsylvania, I will be introducing legislation which includes changes to the current “lifetime contract” system governing beer wholesaler and beer manufacturer agreements, as well as ensuring the newest and most popular products entering the marketplace – seltzers, hard sodas, and mixed cocktails - are available to consumers and are correctly accounted for within the three tier system.   I hope you will join me in cosponsoring this legislation to further modernize our Liquor Code.

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