Proposed Bill In Pa. Would Allow Customers To Have Wine Shipped To Their Doorstep
By Steve Tawa
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- The Republican-led State House could vote as early as next week, now that the Pennsylvania State Senate has approved a bill that would allow consumers to have wine shipped directly to their door.
Under current law in the Commonwealth, out-of-state retailers have only been allowed to send wine to Liquor Control Board stores for consumers to pick up, and wines sold in state stores are excluded.
The proposed bill on direct-to-door wine shipments includes a $1 per gallon excise tax similar to other states, replacing the 18 percent liquor tax.
Democrats generally pushed for a different taxation scheme, as a percentage, as opposed to per gallon on the price, contending the Commonwealth could lose potential revenue.
Democrats also remain wary of Republican efforts to push through a liquor privatization bill, in this cycle, as part of the budget negotiations. Those discussions could be included in talks on the state budget for the new fiscal year, beginning July 1st.