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News Regional & State News PA lawmakers consider mail-order wine deliveries from out-of-state wineries
Tuesday, 16 August 2011 04:25

PA lawmakers consider mail-order wine deliveries from out-of-state wineries

Written by  Mary Wilson

(Harrisburg) -- State lawmakers are considering proposals that would allow out-of-state wineries to ship their wares directly to Pennsylvanians. It’s been at least a wine story a week at the Capitol, but Republican Senator John Pippy, of Allegheny and Washington counties, says the legislation being debated has nothing to do with wine kiosks in supermarkets or whether the state sells off its liquor stores. "This is all about the ability for you as a consumer to order a bottle of wine from California or New York, and have it sent to your house. Whether we have a public, or an LCB system, or a private system, that issue still has to be addressed," Pippy says. The state Liquor Control Board endorses direct-shipment legislation, so long as its intent is to provide wines that aren’t already in state stores. A lobbyist for the Wine Institute, a trade association representing California wineries, says other states have found that direct shipment wine sales don’t cut into the profits of brick-and-mortar stores. Much was made of the current 18 percent tax on wine and spirits collected by the LCB on its own merchandise. The board's CEO says direct shipping sales represent an "unbelievable boost" in state revenues. Those speaking for wineries say the levy is exorbitant.

Last modified on Tuesday, 16 August 2011 05:05

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