Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB38

Introduced
3/7/23  
Refer
3/7/23  
Refer
5/1/23  
Report Pass
5/2/23  
Engrossed
5/2/23  
Refer
5/5/23  
Refer
10/23/23  
Report Pass
12/11/23  
Enrolled
12/14/23  
Chaptered
12/14/23  

Caption

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for applications for hotel, restaurant and club liquor licenses and for application for distributors', importing distributors' and retail dispensers' licenses.

Impact

The impact of HB 38 could notably enhance the efficiency of obtaining liquor licenses across different segments of the hospitality industry. By revising the current application procedures, local governments would gain clearer guidelines that could lead to reduced waiting times and lower costs for businesses seeking to serve alcohol. This legislation could lead to increased competition, benefiting consumers with more options in the food and beverage market.

Summary

House Bill 38 aims to amend existing regulations surrounding the applications for various liquor licenses, including those for hotels, restaurants, clubs, and distributors of alcoholic beverages. The bill is designed to streamline the application process and clarify the laws governing these licenses, potentially easing barriers for new entrants into the market. Proponents of the bill believe that simplifying the licensing process will incentivize businesses in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, ultimately fostering economic growth in these industries.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill was largely positive among business owners and industry stakeholders who viewed the proposed changes as a necessary step toward modernization of liquor licensing laws. However, there were a few voiced concerns from community advocacy groups regarding the potential for increased alcohol availability to negatively impact public health and safety. Overall, the discussions reflected a balance between economic development interests and community welfare considerations.

Contention

Some points of contention involved the implications of loosening regulations around liquor licenses, with critics arguing that it could lead to an oversaturation of alcohol-serving establishments in certain areas. Issues were raised about potential negative consequences on local communities, particularly around youth accessibility and public health concerns. Despite these apprehensions, the outcome of the voting history suggests a strong majority in favor of the bill, indicating a prevailing sentiment that the economic benefits outweigh the concerns.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1455

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licenses and regulations relating to liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for applications for hotel, restaurant and club liquor licenses, for issuance, transfer or extension of hotel, restaurant and club liquor licenses, for license fees, for sale of malt or brewed beverages by liquor licensees and for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses.

PA HB1256

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licenses and regulations relating to liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for applications for hotel, restaurant and club liquor licenses, for issuance, transfer or extension of hotel, restaurant and club liquor licenses, for license fees, for sale of malt or brewed beverages by liquor licensees and for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses.

PA HB559

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for license districts, license period and hearings, for issuance, transfer or extension of hotel, restaurant and club liquor licenses, for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses and for malt and brewed beverages retail licenses.

PA HB371

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for license districts, license period and hearings, for issuance, transfer or extension of hotel, restaurant and club liquor licenses, for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses and for malt and brewed beverages retail licenses.

PA SB360

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for authority to issue liquor licenses to hotels, restaurants and clubs, for sales by liquor licensees and restrictions, for sale of malt or brewed beverages by liquor licensees, for retail dispensers' restrictions on purchases and sales, for unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees and for premises to be vacated by patrons.

PA HB2068

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, repealing provisions relating to surrender of club licenses for benefit of licensees and further providing for surrender of restaurant, eating place retail dispenser, hotel, importing distributor and distributor license for benefit of licensee and for premises to be vacated by patrons.

PA HB885

In Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania Liquor Stores; and, in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses.

PA HB39

In Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania Liquor Stores; and, in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses.

PA HB1750

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania Liquor Stores; in licenses and regulations, liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for heading of article, for authority to issue liquor licenses to hotels, restaurants and clubs, for sales by liquor licensees and restrictions, for secondary service area, for sale of malt or brewed beverages by liquor licensees, for public service liquor licenses, for liquor importers' licenses, fees, privileges and restrictions, for public venue license, for performing arts facility license, for continuing care retirement community retail licenses, for casino liquor license, for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses, for sales by manufacturers of malt or brewed beverages and minimum quantities and for distributors' and importing distributors' restrictions on sales, storage, etc; adding provisions relating to fees and taxation of ready-to-drink cocktails for off-premises consumption; and further providing for unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees.

PA HB1160

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for sales by liquor licensees and restrictions, for retail dispensers' restrictions on purchases and sales, for breweries and for unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt and brewed beverages and licensees.

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