Posted: | April 24, 2020 11:48 AM |
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From: | Senator Doug Mastriano |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Modernizing the Liquor Code: Take-Home Products for Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries |
In the near future, I intend to introduce the following legislation, and I invite you to join me as a co-sponsor: Modernizing the Liquor Code: Take-Home Products for Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries During the COVID-19 pandemic, many brewery, winery and distillery owners have contacted me regarding flaws with the state’s liquor code. The entrepreneurs have expressed concerns about the negative impact our existing law is having upon small businesses. Currently, these operators are allowed to sell Pennsylvania products, but only their own products for take-home consumption. The issue has intensified recently, since the Governor issued an emergency declaration impacting businesses throughout Pennsylvania. Restrictions on what these businesses are able to sell for take-home consumption is negatively impacting their ability to survive during this pandemic. As the chair of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, I am constantly hearing concerns about the bureaucratic red tape that impedes our business sector. We need to look out for small business owners, and eliminate the oppressive regulations that are impacting their operations. As lawmakers, we need to loosen our liquor code restrictions to help our businesses survive. My legislation will eliminate those restrictive requirements related to breweries, distilleries and wineries, specifically regarding the products they are allowed to sell for take-home consumption. I initially approached the LCB about this matter, to help our businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the agency was hesitant to take administrative action. As a result, I am approaching the situation legislatively. I invite you to join me as a co-sponsor. Please contact my office if you have any questions or comments about this proposed measure. |