The following is a statement from Chuck Moran, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association. The comments are the result of today’s legislative hearing held at the state capitol concerning the recent decision of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to limit the sale of certain products as a result of a shortage.

 

Today, the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee in coordination with the Senate Law and Justice Committee held a hearing to learn more about the recent decision by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to place a two-bottle purchase limit per day on 43 products.

For small business taverns and licensed restaurants, the developing situation with liquor availability is yet another thing that the industry must work through as a result of the pandemic while waiting for help that was promised before the budget passed.

Various issues over the past 18 months are hampering recovery efforts. Between the lack of workers to shortages, as well as increased pricing of available supplies, difficulties for the industry continue.

There are several bills at the state capitol including grant funding, noise relief/outdoor seating, and liquor discounting that would help small business taverns and licensed restaurants by easing some pressure.

Now that both committees have learned more about the latest industry issue, our hope is that the state legislature will begin to move legislation to assist with recovery efforts including HB 1497 offered by Rep. Mike Jones.

 

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About the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association is a statewide association based in Harrisburg, representing small business taverns and licensed restaurants in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Association formed in 1941, reorganized in 2019, and today advocates for best practices and rights within the industry as well as best experiences for patrons.