Finally Pennsylvania has passed the historic bill that will privatize the sale of hard liquor and wine. State Stores will be phased out over time, with certain rural counties still maintaining a few as necessary. What does this mean for the beer community? Beer retailers will get the first shot at grabbing a license, then others in the private sector including supermarkets and big-box stores, will be able to enter the liquor game. Smaller bottle shops could greatly benefit from being able to sell wine as well as beer in their stores!
The House isn’t expecting the bill to be passed on by the Senate to the Governor as-is, but are hoping the reforms are minimal. While Pennsylvania may not be the most strict state when it comes to alcohol-related laws (hey at least it’s legal to homebrew!) this is a step in the right direction with modernization on the horizon!
