Posted on 07/04/2005 9:25:23 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvanians legally would be able to buy a case of beer on Sunday in their own state under legislation approved by the Senate on Monday and sent to the desk of Gov. Ed Rendell.
The bill would change current law, which limits purchases to two six-packs from a restaurant or tavern. Instead, the state's 1,300 beer distributors would have the option of paying $100 for an annual license and opening between noon and 5 p.m. on Sundays to sell cases.
Rendell's spokeswoman said he is expected to sign the bill.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. Sean Logan, D-Allegheny, said the measure brought fairness to laws on alcoholic beverage sales, since thousands of restaurants and taverns and dozens of state liquor stores can sell on Sunday.
"It's incredible to think that the state mandates a beer distributor to be closed on Sunday," Logan said last week. "It's archaic and outdated."
Similar legislation failed last year in the face of opposition from restaurant and tavern owners, who said it would cut into their business. To satisfy them, the legislation would expand the wholesale discount they get on purchases from state liquor stores from 7 percent to 10 percent. It also would remove the requirement that a tavern or restaurant selling liquor on Sunday must make 30 percent of its money from food, although the requirement would remain in force in Philadelphia.
About 4,000 businesses outside of Philadelphia close on Sunday because they do not meet the 30 percent food requirement, while another 6,600 meet the threshold, according to Logan's office. The Sunday sales permit for restaurants and taverns costs $300.
Three years ago, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board opened 61 state liquor stores for Sunday sales for the first time since Prohibition after receiving approval by lawmakers. Last year, lawmakers gave the board the authority to open up to 159, or 25 percent of the total.
BUMP
REMEMBER THE SABBATH,KEEP IT HOLY.
The Godless are winning.......
You moved to early :)
Bad idea. Ever heard of the 4th Commandment? It's bad enough that malls and retail stores are open on Sunday.
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