Alex Baloga, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), submitted written testimony this week to the Pennsylvania State Senate Law & Justice Committee expressing support for increased customer choice and convenience for alcohol sales at retail establishments in Pennsylvania.
The committee considered Senate Bills 548, 880, and 916, which would increase the retail outlets that sell spirits, as well as Senate Bill 896 and House Bill 1617, which pertain to license availability. It also heard testimony on customer convenience reforms to Act 39 of 2016.
“We support increased consumer choice and convenience for our customers and, in the case of expanded spirits availability, additional outlets for Pennsylvania distilleries to offer their products, particularly in light of the growing popularity of such businesses,” Baloga said in the written testimony, adding that PFMA has not endorsed legislation to this point and is studying the proposals.
Specifically, PFMA supports removing restrictions on merchandising, ending register segregation and quantity restrictions, conversion of unused licenses, inter-county sales of unbidden licenses, and expanded the availability of spirits.
“We commend the sponsors of the bills being discussed here today for recognizing these needs and drafting legislation to begin the process of updating our laws,” Baloga wrote. “As we have on similar issues, we want to work with legislators, administration officials, and fellow stakeholders to put together a package that moves the ball forward for our members and, more importantly, for their customers.”
PFMA noted that it also supports strict age-proofing standards, including carding every customer for every sale every time, and highlighted the importance of teaching employees about detecting fake photo IDs and recognizing when a customer should not be served.
“Accordingly, we thank the members and staff of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for the valuable training resources and opportunities they provide to retailers,” Baloga said. “We remain committed to working with state and municipal authorities to ensure that convenience never comes at the cost of safety.”