Statement by Thomas Mehaffie, President of Malt Beverage Distributors Association:
Today’s decision accurately reflects the law enacted by the General Assembly many years ago and is best for our customers as it brings the marketplace closer to meeting their needs.
Pennsylvania beer distributors were established to be specialty retailers to offer the best value in beer sold for off-premises consumption. We give consumers the best selection, price and expertise. Even though our stores are operated as small, independently-owned businesses, family-owned beer distributors deliver on this challenge far better than any grocery, convenience or big-box store and every bit as well as any specialty chain in the nation.
This result is an outcome of numerous MBDA board discussions plus work and research by our solicitor, Charles Caputo of Caputo, Caputo & Regan, P.C., Pittsburgh, who filed the litigation in conjunction with Matt Haverstick of Conrad O’Brien, Philadelphia. It is not a change in The Liquor Code but rather an interpretation which MBDA has long advocated based upon existing language in the law.
Those involved in the action filed in the Commonwealth Court are Rivertowne Brewing, Export, PA; Nancy Pistella t/a Pistella Beer Distributor, and Save-Mor & Pop Warehouse Inc., two Pittsburgh area distributors.