Gov. Wolf signs liquor reform bill
HARRISBURG — A new law will soon give Pennsylvania consumers many more options about where to purchase their favorite varieties of wine.
Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf approved legislation Wednesday allowing wine sales in grocery stores and making other changes to how alcohol is sold in a state long criticized for maintaining Depression-era restrictions on booze.
The governor said “truly historic” changes will help consumers and generate new revenue for the state.
“I have every confidence that this is a good thing for Pennsylvania,” Wolf said, flanked by lawmakers as he signed the bill in his Capitol offices a day after it passed the House with bipartisan support.
The new law lets licensed groceries and restaurants sell up to four bottles of takeout wine per customer, and supporters say consumers could see bottles on sale in stores sometime this fall.
The measure also formalizes the sale of beer at convenience stores, something that has already begun as a result of court cases.
In other changes, state stores will have more flexibility about hours and pricing, and consumers can have wine shipped directly to them from private wine wholesalers.
About 14,000 holders of takeout beer licenses will be permitted to sell up to four bottles of wine to a customer. Takeout wine sales can expand to licensed restaurants, bars, hotels, supermarkets and delis.
Unions, including the one that represents state liquor store workers, have said the measure will undermine the finances of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and lead to job losses. They are skeptical of claims it will generate about $150 million for the state treasury in the first year.
