Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB885

Introduced
3/11/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implications of HB 885 are significant, particularly concerning the operational dynamics of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. By expanding the categories of entities allowed to buy liquor at wholesale prices, the bill has the potential to increase competition among retailers and streamline purchasing processes for licensed establishments. Additionally, it introduces new provisions regarding storage licenses for beverage manufacturers, which may enhance operational efficiency and increase the availability of products in the market.

Summary

House Bill 885 seeks to amend existing laws related to the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages within Pennsylvania. The bill particularly modifies regulations governing Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, allowing these stores to sell liquors—including wine and ready-to-drink cocktails—at wholesale to various licensed entities such as hotels and restaurants. The proposed changes aim to facilitate a more structured and potentially expansive market for alcoholic beverages in the state, adjusting how these products are sold and distributed while ensuring compliance with state liquor laws.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 885 appears to be mixed among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents argue that easing restrictions on liquor sales and expanding wholesale opportunities will foster economic growth and improve accessibility to alcoholic beverages. However, concerns have been raised by public health advocates about the potential implications for consumption patterns, which may exacerbate issues related to alcohol-related harm. The discussion highlights the ongoing tension between economic interests and public health considerations.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between liberalizing liquor sales and ensuring responsible consumption. Critics of the bill have expressed fears that expanding wholesale access could overshadow local control and contribute to increased alcohol availability in communities. Additionally, the proposed increase in the number of storage licenses for manufacturers raises questions about quality control and regulatory oversight within the three-tier system traditionally governing alcohol distribution in Pennsylvania.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 SB688

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania Liquor Stores; in licenses and regulations relating to liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for liquor importers' licenses, fees, privileges and restrictions, providing for ready-to-drink cocktail permit and for authority to acquire ready-to-drink cocktail permits and further providing for distributors' and importing distributors' restrictions on sales, storage, etc, for unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees, for unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt and brewed beverages and licensees; and, in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, further providing for limited distilleries and distilleries.

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 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 HB1392

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt and brewed beverages and licensees.

PA HB1174

In Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania Liquor Stores.

PA SB928

In Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania Liquor Stores.

PA HB2212

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt and brewed beverages and licensees.

PA HB1049

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt and brewed beverages and licensees.

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