Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association Supports Constitutional Amendment Towards Privatization of State-Run Liquor System
Hospitality Association Encourages House Liquor Control Committee to Move Forward
Harrisburg, Pa. (June 7, 2022) – The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association applauds the House Liquor Control Committee for considering Representative Natalie Mihalek’s proposed constitutional amendment that would privatize Pennsylvania’s state-run liquor system.
The association’s members, and most operators throughout the Commonwealth, unequivocally support the privatization of liquor sales in Pennsylvania, because they believe privatization would reduce the cost of alcohol for consumers and licensee holders. Licensees are frustrated with the current system, finding it to be inconvenient, limited, and unreliable. Long before the supply chain issues, Pennsylvania licensees have repeatedly noted the limited product availability and experience fulfillment issues. Today, these issues are exacerbated.
“Pennsylvania licensees represent nearly 30 percent of the PLCB’s product sales, yet many feel as if they are not treated as the wholesale partners they truly are,” said John Longstreet, PRLA president & CEO. “Instead, licensees are restricted to making purchases at certain stores on specific days without the option to have the product delivered directly to their establishments.”
Bars and restaurants throughout the state have applauded Representative Mihalek’s approach – a constitutional amendment, which would ultimately leave the decision in the hands of the public. The PRLA supports that position and believes the decision is best to those whom the asset belongs and to whom Pennsylvania’s elected officials serve.
The PRLA strives to promote, protect, and improve the hospitality and tourism industries in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PRLA conveys the unified voice of these industries to the Commonwealth’s citizenry and elected officials. For more information, visit prla.org and find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Contact:
PRLA
Stephanie Otterson
[email protected]
(717) 963-8369
Food Shelter PR
Abby Snopek
[email protected]