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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 6, 2015 12:37 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kevin J. Schreiber |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Economic Development Liquor Licenses |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would amend Act 21 of 1951, the Liquor Code, by reducing the food to alcohol sales ratio for Economic Development Liquor licenses from 70 percent to 50 percent. Economic Development Liquor Licenses are granted to establishments in areas such as Enterprise Zones and Keystone Opportunity Zones for the purpose of promoting further economic development in these areas. Many examples across the Commonwealth and the nation have shown that dining and entertainment businesses can serve as catalysts for commerce and development in formerly blighted areas. While I support the intent of the original legislation that these licenses should not be for drinking-only establishments, the 70 percent threshold has proven unachievable for businesses seeking to establish themselves in these areas. Patrons such as happy hour customers from nearby workplaces or attendees at sporting events or concerts may engage in minimal dining even while contributing greatly to economic activity overall in these areas. While ensuring that these establishments would still benefit a variety of customers including non-drinkers and families, lowering the threshold to 50 percent would help to keep these small businesses operating and ensure these licenses achieve their intent of promoting broad economic growth in struggling areas. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. Thank you! |
Introduced as HB1110