“With these approvals, Pennsylvania consumers will now enter the 21st century and start to have the conveniences they have long sought,” said Speaker Turzai. “This is just another step toward delivering full privatization in the years ahead.”
More than 80 Pennsylvania grocery and other eligible stores were approved for wine expanded licenses (WEPs) under the speaker’s bill today, with dozens more expected in the days ahead.
In addition, more than 50 wineries in 10 states have applied for direct shipping permits that will allow consumers to have wine delivered to their homes. Pennsylvania has become the 44th state to permit direct shipping.
“Wine in grocery stores is a monumental shift marking the move of the sale of wine to the private sector,” said Speaker Turzai.
Since 2009, Speaker Turzai has led efforts to privatize liquor and wine sales by dismantling the Liquor Control Board’s total control over both retail and wholesale sales of wine and liquor.
Pennsylvania consumers will also soon be able have direct shipment of wine to their homes and have wine-to-go from restaurants and hotels.
While the House had initially sought more expansive privatization, in the spirit of compromise, an amended version of Speaker Turzai’s House Bill 1690 was passed by the House on June 7, 2016, by a vote of 157-31.
That bill was signed into law by the governor June 8, and was effective after 60 days, Aug. 8, 2016, when applications from private-sector businesses started to be received.
“Once Pennsylvanians see the benefits of grocery store wine sales, direct shipments and wine-to-go by restaurateurs, full privatization will be the next step,” said Speaker Turzai.
Pennsylvania had once been one of only two states where government had full control over both retail and wholesale sale of wine and liquor. NewsClips:
Restaurants, Delis Soon To Offer Wine To Go
