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The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association supports House Bill 1451 to allow third-party alcohol delivery in PA with strict age verification safeguards. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Pa Food Merchants Association supports alcohol delivery bill
Listen to this articleThe Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association testified Wednesday before the PA House Liquor Control Committee in support of House Bill 1451, legislation that would change Pennsylvania’s Liquor Code to allow licensed third-party transporters to deliver beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails on behalf of licensed retailers.
In prepared remarks, PFMA said the change would create a meaningful opportunity for member businesses across the State.
Noting that many businesses in the industry operate on extremely fine margins, the association said it felt policies that responsibly expand revenue opportunities can make a real difference.
As grocery delivery becomes more common, PFMA said customers expect the ability to include alcohol purchases in a single transaction.
At the same time, the association said the bill maintains strict age-verification standards and clearly assigns responsibility at the point of delivery.
Under HB 1451, trained Class D Transporters-for-Hire would be responsible for verifying age and sobriety at the customer’s doorstep.
The measure also codifies penalties for drivers who fail to follow the law and provides liability protection for retailers that properly process orders but do not control the final handoff. “Our members have proven they are responsible partners in Pennsylvania’s evolving adult beverage marketplace,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. “As consumer expectations continue to shift toward delivery, we must ensure state law can support businesses operating in this evolving marketplace, while maintaining the safeguards that are critical to age-restricted products.”
He noted that similar delivery models are already operating successfully in more than 30 other states.
