Under current Pennsylvania state law, it’s illegal for consumers to make alcoholic purchases outside commonwealth boundaries. Those who violate this law and are caught could face up to a maximum penalty of 90 days in prison. Realizing just how harsh and outdated this law is, State Representative Joe Hackett and Senator Dominic Pileggi recently introduced legislation granting Pennsylvanians more freedom when crossing state lines to purchase alcoholic beverages.
This, of course, does not come without strong opposition from varying directions. Wendell Young, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1776, has taken a strong stance against liquor decriminalization. He said the legislation is not in the best interests of Pennsylvania taxpayers and would “further diminish revenue for Pennsylvania.” He also said the proposal fails to address the issue of bar and restaurant owners driving over state lines and purchasing alcohol for resale.
For more on this continuing debate, check out the article published in the Daily Local News.
- Photography: Whole Foods Market
