House Liquor Control Committee hearing on legislation to implement Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force recommendations
Bill would strengthen compliance, increase penalties and reform appeals process
Rep. Anthony Bellmon February 10, 2026 | 3:49 PM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 10 – The House Liquor Control Committee, chaired by state Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, today held a public hearing on H.B. 1413, which would address concerns surrounding stop-and-go establishments and strengthen the enforcement of Liquor Code violations.
Stop-and-go establishments are businesses that hold restaurant or eating place liquor licenses but operate primarily as convenience stores or delis while failing to meet minimum licensing requirements.
House Bill 1413, sponsored by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., would implement key recommendations from the bipartisan and bicameral Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force, on which Bellmon serves. Based on the task force’s October 2024 report, the legislation would strengthen the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s compliance program, streamline the citation process, increase penalties and fines, and update court review standards.
"Over the years, these noncompliant businesses and the problems they attract have become increasingly difficult for both local and state officials to regulate effectively,” Bellmon said. “My legislation would give the PLCB and the State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement the tools needed for more effective enforcement of violations and better regulation of problem establishments, while also prioritizing public health and safety and protecting the rights of responsible licensees."
"This legislation is the result of extensive work by the Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force, which examined the challenges facing our communities and developed practical solutions," Deasy said. "We heard valuable testimony today on these important reforms that will help ensure liquor licenses are operated responsibly and in accordance with the law."
Tuesday's hearing featured testimony by PLCB Chairman Darrell Clarke; PLCB Director of Regulatory Affairs Tisha Albert; PLCB Chief Counsel Jason Worley; Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement Maj. Robert L. Bailey; Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement Capt. John Chapman; Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass; Philadelphia Police Department Deputy Commissioner Francis Healy; City of Philadelphia Chief Legal Counsel Kristin Bray; Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association President Chuck Moran; Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association Senior Director of Legislative Affairs Lauren Brinjac; and Pittsburgh Police Nuisance Bar Task Force Sgt. Phil Lerzo.
The Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force was created by Act 49 of 2023 to research the laws and issues surrounding stop-and-gos and make recommendations for effectively regulating them.
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