Measure could mean closure of hundreds of family-owned and operated busineses and loss of thousands of jobs across state; Prices will rise and selection will decrease
Our analysis of the Governor’s proposal clearly shows that it will put alcohol sales in thousands of new outlets while increasing prices in many locations, reducing selection at those locations, and creating more “border bleed” by encouraging more buyers to shop in neighboring states. It will make alcohol more accessible to minors. In addition, many studies show that a substantial increase in alcohol outlets will put a greater strain on local law enforcement resources.
The plan is designed for big business, showing favoritism to the large companies like Wal-Mart, Costco and Rite-Aid. Distributors have played by the rules created by the General Assembly since 1933 and not allowed to grow their businesses. This plan removes restrictions on us, but does so in a way that our 1,200 family-owned businesses would be completely destroyed by these large out-of-state corporations. This is like asking a horse that has been stabled and unable to train to successfully run the Kentucky Derby against the best thoroughbreds in the world.
While the plan appears to enhance our business privileges, it does so at a cost that is five times higher than the similar privileges being offered to the national big box stores. This is not fair.
The Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania (MBDA) will continue to work with our state elected officials to ensure that Pennsylvania’s consumers are offered greater convenience and that beer distributors are given a fair chance to compete.