Legislation would allow liquor manufacturers to ship to residents

Legislation recently introduced in the state House of Representatives would allow a manufacturer with a direct spirits shipper license to send spirits to residents 21 years old or older for personal use and not resale.

Under House Bill 2342, licensees would be able to ship no more than nine liters of spirits monthly during a calendar year at a resident’s request.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) would publish monthly on a publicly accessible website a list of all classes, varieties, and brands of spirits available for sale in Pennsylvania liquor stores.

The bill also applies to a company licensed by another state or country as a producer or manufacturer of spirits and individuals licensed by the board.

“During the many months throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania state store system experienced crippling shutdowns by Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board,” Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny), who introduced the bill, said. “The inventory of many distilleries was locked up by the PLCB and unable to be sold. Recently, the PLCB announced that they are limiting the purchase of a select brand of spirits which in turn limits sales.”

The bill moves to the House Liquor Control Committee for consideration.