Gov. Wolf Signs Liquor Modernization Bill
HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA) -- Surrounded by Republican and Democratic legislative leaders, Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law a bi-partisan liquor reform bill designed to make the current state-controlled system a little more consumer-friendly.
"We are changing a system that the people of Pennsylvania have wanted to change for a very long time," said Gov. Wolf.
Gov. Wolf said he was fulfilling a campaign promise to modernize the current system -- making it easier and more convenient to purchase beer and wine without selling off or privatizing the state store system.
"It is the most significant step we have taken in this area for 80 years," he said. "This bill will improve the customer experience. This bill will make pricing more competitive. It will make the purchase of these products more convenient, and it will produce more revenue for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And it will also, I think, show once again that Democrats and Republicans can work together."
These improvements give the Liquor Control Board the authority to:
- Allow stores to remain open on Sunday and holidays
- Allows for flexible pricing for state stores to offer special discounts and sales
- Allow restaurants and hotels to sell up to four bottles of wine for take-out
- Allow grocery stores that currently sell beer to sell up to four bottles of wine
- Allow direct shipments of wine to people's homes
The law does not take affect for 60 days, so it could be a few months before customers see any changes, as additional permits are required to sell wine.
Giant Eagle, which has 40 of its 200 stores licensed to sell beer, says it's looking forward to selling wine, too.
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