House Liquor Control Committee passes HB790 to the House for consideration

Just watched the House Liquor Control Committee debate numerous amendments to HB790 -- Rep. Turzai's PLCB privatization bill -- and pass one of them, Rep. Mustio's, which did bring down the license fees a bit. It still squeezes one hell of a lot of money out of the wholesale end of the business, and that has to change, or we're going to see price increases in PA just like they did in Washington. But that can change, and must, on the floor of the House.

It's also clear to everyone on both sides of the aisle that beer has to join the process. It should be clear to beer wholesalers and retailers as well; things ARE changing, and it would be a good thing for beer lobbyists to get to Harrisburg and make their best deal possible to advance liquor/wine privatization. It's not a time for greed on either side; this is a time of opportunity that needs to be seized. It's also a time of change, no doubt, and many folks would rather not change. Well...maybe then it's time to bring in new blood.

Interesting times. Now it's up to Rep. Turzai to get this through...while still maintaining real privatization that doesn't get Washingtonized. Cross your fingers, people, and then uncross them and talk to your reps about what you want in a privatization bill. Contact them TODAY, because it may come to a vote quickly. I'm emailing my rep right now.