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House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 1, 2013 09:47 AM
From:	Representative Paul Costa
To:	All House members
Subject:	Modernization of the PLCB

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would amend the Liquor Code to allow the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board more flexibility in its operation to better serve the Commonwealth’s consumers. My bill would incorporate the three common sense priorities outlined by the PLCB in the recent House and Senate Appropriations hearing: Flexible Pricing – allow the PLCB the ability to increase revenue and profitability, while being able to offer better deals to consumers on other products. Fiscal Impact: Granting the PLCB the discretion to make such pricing decisions could easily lead to an increase of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) to seventy million dollars ($70,000,000) per year, depending on market conditions. Sunday Sales/Hours - Increase Sunday operating hours from the current 12.00pm – 5.00pm to 9.00am – 9.00pm and allow the PLCB to open as many State Stores as they deem necessary (based on profitability and consumer convenience) on Sundays. Direct Shipment/ SLO pricing - allow the direct shipment of wine to a resident’s home by any licensed wine producer. Additionally, licensees would be permitted to purchase Special Liquor Orders (items not listed in the Wine and Spirits Stores) for resale directly to their place of business. The wine sold by direct shippers would be subject to both the 6% sales tax and the 18% liquor tax. As we continue to debate the future of the PLCB, it is important that we also look at changes we can make TODAY. My proposal will maximize the profitability of the PLCB while adding the convenience that Pennsylvania’s consumers are requesting.

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