HB 438

Approved 14-12.

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Posted: December 30, 2016 12:58 PM

From: Representative Mike Reese and Rep. Mike Turzai

To: All House members

Subject: Spirit-To-Go Sales by Restaurants and Hotels In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to amend the Liquor Code.

As you many of you know, recently the General Assembly passed House Bill 1690, now Act 39 of 2016. While Act 39 was a vital step in reforming an archaic and out-of-date liquor system, I believe we must continue to strive for further reforms.

In light of this, my legislation will establish a spirit expanded permit. Such permits would be available to holders of restaurant and hotel liquor licenses, and such licensees would be eligible to sell up to three liters of spirits.

It is my belief that this legislation will continue to move our Commonwealth’s liquor system into the 21st century, while providing greater convenience for our constituents in regards to purchasing spirits and providing our Commonwealth with needed revenue.

During the 2015-2016 Legislative Session, this bill was introduced as House Bill 2357. The following members served as co-sponsors:

REESE, TURZAI, BENNINGHOFF, CHRISTIANA, DIAMOND, DUNBAR, EVERETT, GROVE, A. HARRIS, MILLARD, ORTITAY, REGAN, ROTHMAN, SACCONE, SAYLOR, TOPPER and WARD

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HB 991

Approved 14-12.

MEMORANDUM Posted: March 17, 2017 12:24 PM From: Representative Adam Harris To: All House members Subject: Creation of PA Retail Franchise Store License On the heels of the significant liquor reforms that have been enacted over the past year, I plan to introduce legislation in hopes of making the purchase of wine and spirits more consumer friendly and convenient.

This legislation proposes to create a Pennsylvania Retail Franchise Store License permitting the sale of wine and spirits for off-premise consumption. These licenses will be available based on a quota system and will be issued to qualified retailors operating a retail outlet.

Pennsylvania currently ranks towards the bottom amongst other control states in the number of outlets at which consumers are able to purchase wine and spirits for off-premise consumption. In many cases, our rural areas suffer the greatest burden of this low density of outlets, forcing our citizens to travel great distances to purchase wine or spirits. By enabling retailors to sell wine and spirits, it will provide a new level of convenience to provide for one-stop shopping for our citizens.

Furthermore, similar to the renewal fee that Wine Expanded Permit holders pay, retailors that hold a Franchise License will also pay a yearly fee based on their sales. This will not only provide for much needed revenue as we begin budget negotiations, but will also create a continuing stream of revenue for the Commonwealth.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to consider co-sponsoring my legislation.

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