October 25, 2017
A group of Pennsylvania lawmakers hailed a proposed fiscal code amendment for what it could do to liquor sales in Philadelphia corner stores.
Along with marking a key step toward ending the state's monthslong budget impasse when it passed both the Senate and House this week, the annual amendment includes language this year that gives the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board more power to crack down on so-called "stop-and-go" stores that sell alcohol.
The bill is headed to Gov. Tom Wolf's desk for approval.
State Rep. Jordan Harris, a Democrat from Philly, told reporters that some corner stores disguise themselves as eateries.
"Because of that, you have on one side gummy bears and Twizzlers, and on the other side Christian Brothers and other beverages," Harris said, calling it a quality of life issue and a nuisance.
Critics argue that "stop-and-go" shops, which are typically convenience stores or corner delis with liquor licenses, often operate outside of the state's liquor laws, which are among the most stringent in the country. To sell malt liquor or beer, state code requires such shops to be of a certain size, to sell food and to have at least 30 chairs for seating.
Under the legislation, the board would be able to suspend a store's license if it does not meet state requirements for seating, square footage, food or health. It also allows local government to report establishments believed to be violating state code to the control board.
"This has not just happened overnight," Harris said of the stores. "It's been a problem for us for a long time."
