Pennsylvania House Bill HB828

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/25
• Refer: 3/10/25
• Refer: 7/9/25

Caption

In licenses and regulations for liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for license auction.

Impact

The bill's amendments to the Liquor Code are expected to significantly impact the availability and transferability of liquor licenses in Pennsylvania. By instituting regular excess auctions, where licenses not bid upon at an initial auction may still be sold, HB828 attempts to address situations where licenses may sit unused. Furthermore, the bill allows for licenses to be transferred to different counties, albeit with a minimum bidding threshold. This could enable broader market influences and increase competition among establishments for liquor licenses, potentially affecting local economies.

Summary

House Bill 828 aims to amend the existing Liquor Code of Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on the regulations governing liquor licenses and the auction process for these licenses. The bill seeks to establish a streamlined mechanism by which restaurant liquor licenses that become unavailable can be auctioned off. The changes include stipulations for when a license may be auctioned and how long the winning bidder has to finalize the transfer, along with specific guidelines for transferring licenses across counties. These adjustments are intended to enhance accessibility and efficiency in the distribution of liquor licenses within the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB828 appears to be largely supportive among legislators who see it as a means to modernize liquor regulation and address the challenges of stagnant or revoked licenses. Proponents argue that the bill will make it easier for new businesses to enter the market while providing a structured approach that benefits both the state and licensees. However, some concerns have been raised regarding how these changes could impact local control over alcohol sales and whether the auction process could lead to unequal access to licenses across different regions.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB828 involves the implications of allowing licenses from one county to be auctioned and transferred to another. Critics fear this could undermine local regulatory efforts tailored to community needs. The concept of setting minimum bid thresholds might also be contentious, as it may limit access for smaller businesses that cannot afford high initial bids. As discussions progress, these points illustrate the ongoing balancing act between state regulation and local governance in managing liquor licenses.