Pennsylvania House Bill HB1413

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/6/25
• Refer: 5/6/25

Caption

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, further providing for Office of Administrative Law Judge; in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for hearings upon refusal of licenses, renewals or transfers and appeals and for renewal of licenses and temporary provisions for licensees in armed service, providing for failure to maintain minimum requirements for licensure and further providing for revocation and suspension of licenses and fines, for applicants to provide State tax identification numbers and statement of State tax status, waiver of confidentiality of information in the possession of the Department of Revenue and other departments and review of State tax status and for rights of municipalities preserved; in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, further providing for appeals; and imposing penalties.

Impact

The bill introduces a series of measures that impact how the PLCB manages alcohol licenses, mandating that applicants furnish tax information and highlighting the board's authority in monitoring compliance. It encourages routine inspections to ensure that licensed establishments maintain minimum operational standards, which enhances accountability and can potentially improve service quality in the alcohol sector. This shift in regulation might lead to increased enforcement activity, particularly regarding noncompliance with licensure requirements.

Summary

House Bill 1413 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Liquor Code by adjusting provisions related to the licensing process for businesses selling alcoholic beverages. The bill aims to strengthen the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's (PLCB) ability to issue, renew, and suspend licenses while ensuring compliance with state and local tax regulations. It emphasizes the need for applicants to provide proof of their tax status and allows for more stringent consequences for license violations, including fines and possible revocations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1413 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents who see the bill as a necessary step toward tightening regulations and ensuring that all establishments adhere to established standards. However, concerns have been raised by some members of the community regarding potential overreach by the PLCB and its impact on local businesses, particularly regarding the capacity for municipalities to govern local alcohol-related issues effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential conflict between state licensing standards and local regulations. Critics express apprehensions about the bill undermining local control, especially if municipalities are unable to enforce their own ordinances concerning alcohol sales. The bill’s provisions on administrative appeals and inspection routines may also face scrutiny from those who advocate for less rigid regulations in favor of local discretion, which could influence the legislative debate as it moves forward.