The state House of Representatives advanced Monday a bill that would create the Pennsylvania Distilled Spirits Industry Promotion Board, which would be responsible for awarding grants to craft distilleries.
The board would be tasked with awarding $1 million in grants to be used for promotion, marketing, and research-based projects to benefit the distilled spirits industry in Pennsylvania.
State Rep. Dan Deasy (D-Allegheny), Democratic chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee, introduced the bill, House Bill 325.
“The commonwealth has seen a large influx of distilleries in recent years, which is extremely exciting,” Deasy said. “However, distillers are still faced with challenges. The grants awarded by this board would provide opportunities for the continued growth of the state’s distilling industry, allowing the commonwealth to reach new benchmarks in regard to production. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the political aisle for getting this bill across the finish line.”
The board would be made up of five appointees designated by Gov. Tom Wolf and leaders in both chambers of the state legislature.
The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.