The following is a statement from Chuck Moran, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association, concerning today’s action in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives regarding today’s concurrence vote on HB 2513.

 

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives agreed with the need to help small business taverns and licensed restaurants by concurring with HB 2513 after a bi-partisan vote of 145-56. The bill now goes to Governor Wolf.

Recent amendments to HB 2513 return the industry to standards that were in place before the July 15 mitigation rule changes that have done significant damage to our small business Members across the Commonwealth. The bill allows taverns and restaurants to operate at a minimum of 50 percent capacity with social distancing and barriers in use; eliminates the requirement that alcohol sales for on-site consumption may only occur if a meal is also purchased; permits customers to sit at the bar with appropriate social distancing and/or barriers; and allows the use of noncontinuous outdoor areas within 250 feet of the main licensed building.

The governor has already stated that he will veto this bill. We urge him to reconsider that action.  It’s time for him to help the industry which has done nothing but follow the mandated guidance for six months at its own loss.  HB 2513 takes into consideration a balance of COVID safety measures and business survival needs.

To date, other than bad news, Governor Wolf has delivered nothing to help the industry survive. Meanwhile, the industry has played and continues to play its role in the COVID-19 battle. No other industry has sacrificed more than small business taverns and licensed restaurants. The industry and its employees need this help.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association thanks the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for its action today, and will remember those who supported the safe reopening of the state’s bars, taverns and clubs this afternoon.  If there is a veto, we will expect those who stood up for us today to continue standing with us!

We look forward to working with the general assembly on future legislation to continue efforts in rescuing the industry and preserving jobs.

 

#     #     #

 

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.

 

Members of the media interested interested in this topic may call (717) 232-8671.