THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY ARGALL, SCARNATI, M. WHITE, WARD, McILHINNEY, ERICKSON, BROWNE, FARNESE, RAFFERTY, BOSCOLA, ALLOWAY, YUDICHAK, MENSCH AND FERLO, OCTOBER 24, 2011

AMENDED, JANUARY 24, 2012   

A RESOLUTION

Directing the Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an

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economic impact study of the brewery industry in this

Commonwealth.

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to

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conduct an economic impact study of the brewery industry in

this Commonwealth.

RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Budget and Finance

Committee to conduct an economic impact study of the brewery

industry in this Commonwealth, which study shall:

(1)  define and explain the act of April 12, 1951

(P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, and its

administration in layman's terms in order to assist those

outside of the brewery industry to understand the issues and

challenges faced by the brewery industry under the current

regulatory framework;

(2)  detail the historical and current conditions of the

brewery industry over the last 15 years, including, but not

limited to: growth of PA breweries; the global, national and

local business climate of breweries; the business climate of

beer wholesalers and retailers; and the consideration of

breweries as manufacturers;

(3)  focus on the ownership of the breweries, in terms of

their status as private, family owned or publicly held;

(4)  research brewery industry employment, payroll,

capital expenditures and investments that have been made by

the brewery industry into the economy of this Commonwealth; 

(5)  identify the overall philanthropic contributions

made by the brewery industry to charitable and community-

based causes and the overall role that breweries in this

Commonwealth play in their communities in terms of generating

civic pride and economic development;

(6)  explain the three-tier system, requirements

regarding exclusive distribution agreements and the impact of

these factors on the brewery industry;

(7)  identify and detail how breweries impact other

Pennsylvania industries and Pennsylvania tourism.

(8)  identify legislative, administrative and regulatory

actions which will ensure the brewery industry's continued

growth, thus creating family-sustaining jobs and industry

expansion in other sectors including, but not limited to,

changes to the Liquor Code and Tax Code;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the committee submit its study to the Senate

not later than one year from adoption of this resolution.

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania has numerous breweries located in this

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Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, The brewery industry in Pennsylvania has contributed

to the economic development of this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, The brewery industry in Pennsylvania contributes to

philanthropic and civic endeavors within communities of this

Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, The act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as

the Liquor Code, provides the statutory framework for the

conduct of the brewery industry; and

WHEREAS, The brewery industry in Pennsylvania, the nation and

internationally has changed significantly in the last 15 years;

and

WHEREAS, The continued growth of the brewery industry

provides a significant impact to the economic health of this

Commonwealth; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Legislative Budget and

Finance Committee to conduct an economic impact study of the

brewery industry; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the economic impact study include:

(1)  An explanation of the three-tier malt and brewed

beverage system established in the Liquor Code.

(2)  The current economic impact of the brewery industry

in this Commonwealth.

(3)  The impact of the brewery industry on Pennsylvania

tourism.

(4)  The impact of the brewery industry on other

industries located in this Commonwealth.

(5)  The identification of any legislative changes,

including, but not limited to, changes to the Liquor Code and

the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax

Reform Code of 1971, that will continue to promote the growth 

of the brewery industry in this Commonwealth;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the committee submit its study to the Senate

no later than one year from adoption of this resolution.