In a somewhat surprising but welcome move on Monday, the State House voted to allow the sale of wine in supermarkets and other venues and allow some convenience stores to sell beer, writes Brian McCullough for Daily Local News.
The proposal was sent to the desk of Democratic Governor Tom Wolf after an overwhelmingly supportive 157-31 vote.
“Once the bill reaches my desk, I will conduct a final review of the legislation to ensure it meets my goals of enhancing the customer experience, increasing much-needed revenue to help balance our budget, and bringing our wine and spirits system into the 21st century,” said Wolf in a statement.
Chester County lawmakers agreed that the proposal contains changes Pennsylvania consumers have wanted for years.
“I had a couple of concerns but I voted for it,” commented Republican state Representative, Dan Truitt of East Goshen.
The vote should relax the state’s tightly controlled liquor system by allowing grocery stores and other outlets to sell takeout wine.
The bill would also allow around 14,000 holders of takeout beer licenses to sell no more than four bottles of wine to a customer and permit sales of takeout wine from licensed restaurants, bars, hotels, supermarkets, and delis.
The bill does not affect where hard spirits can be sold.
Senator Andrew E. Dinniman also reiterated his support for the legislation saying “This will allow anyone in Chester County over 21 to walk into a supermarket and purchase a bottle of wine to go with a meal or with a cheese they’ve picked out.”
Read more about the new legislation at Daily Local News here.
