Deasy, liquor control bills voted out of committee

HARRISBURG, April 26 – Three bills dealing with industry promotion, expanded hiring and ease of license transfer were approved by the state House Liquor Control Committee today, according to the committee majority chairman and bill sponsor state Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny.

Deasy’s bill, H.B. 198, would establish the Pennsylvania Distilled Spirits Industry Promotion Board.

“Other groups in the beverage industry are guided in their promotions by a similar board,” Deasy said. “With the recent growth of the spirits industry in the commonwealth, it makes sense for a designated board to provide feedback and support for those endeavors to ensure the strength of the industry moving forward. Strength in the liquor industry will continue to provide jobs for Pennsylvania residents in hospitality and other commerce-related industries.”

House Bill 829, sponsored by state Rep. Matt Gergely, D-Allegheny, was also voted out of the committee. The bill would allow employees who work for distributors or importing distributors to also work at other licensees’ establishments while allowing distilleries the same hiring flexibility offered to limited wineries and breweries.

Also, H.B. 38, sponsored by state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-Butler, came out of the committee and would allow for a liquor license to be transferred when approved, on prior approval, if accompanied by a surcharge based on county classification.

The legislation now moves to the full House for a vote.