Harrisburg, (June 30, 2015) –
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today praised the state
General Assembly for passing a liquor privatization bill and sending the proposal
to Gov. Tom Wolf. This is the first time
a liquor privatization bill has reached the governor’s desk since Prohibition
in the 1930’s.
Today marked an historic vote.
The Prohibition era is almost over in Pennsylvania. In passing this historic legislation the
majority of lawmakers recognized what we have known all along – that private
industry can do a better job than government selling wine and spirits,” said
NFIB/PA Executive State Director Kevin Shivers.
“Consumers want this bill. Small businesses want this bill. State
lawmakers want this bill. It’s time for Gov. Wolf to give the people of
Pennsylvania what they want,” said Shivers.
HB 466 as amended passed the state Senate 27 to 22, and the state House XXX to XXX. The measure now is headed to the Governor for
his consideration.
Shivers said NFIB members owe their thanks to Senate president Joe
Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Senate Law and Justice Committee Chairman Charles
McIlhinney (R-Bucks) as well as state house Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny)
for their leadership in moving this legislation forward.
“It isn’t hard to notice on the door of all Pennsylvania state
liquor stores this week that says the stores are closed on Saturday the 4th
of July, something private retailers would never do and a perfect example of why the government
shouldn’t be in the liquor business,” said Shivers.
The legislation would generate more than $220 million by leasing the
wholesale distribution system and the sale of wine and liquor licenses to
retail establishments in the private sector.
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