The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) was created by state law on Nov. 29, 1933, at the end of Prohibition. Seventeen states (including Pennsylvania) and jurisdictions in Alaska, Maryland, Minnesota, and South Dakota control the sale of distilled spirits and, in some cases, wine and beer through government agencies at the wholesale level. Thirteen of those jurisdictions (including Pennsylvania) also exercise control over retail sales for off-premises consumption. The agency is governed by a three-member Board whose members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by two-thirds of the state Senate.
The mission of the PLCB is to responsibly sell wine and spirits as a retailer and wholesaler, regulatePennsylvania's alcohol industry, promote alcohol education and social responsibility and maximize financial returns for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians. The PLCB regulates the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution and disposition of liquor, alcohol, and malt or brewed beverages in the commonwealth. The agency issues licenses to private individuals or entities that wish to engage in wholesale operations of beer, either as an importing distributor or as a distributor. The agency is also responsible for wholesaledistribution of wine and spirits, which licensees may pick up from state-operated Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores or licensee service centers or have delivered from PLCB distribution centers.
The PLCB operates 857,000 square feet of warehouse space, the equivalent of almost 20 acres, contracted with two privately held Pennsylvania distribution center companies. In fiscal year 2022-23,18.7million cases of wine and spiritswere shipped from thedistribution centers.
Nearly 600 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, includingmore than100 Premium Collection stores and 13 licensee service centers, are leased from private landlords, infusing more than $63.2million into the Pennsylvania economy.
The PLCB's Bureau of Alcohol Education provides a comprehensive program to prevent underage and dangerous drinking, including:
- Alcohol Education grants to reduce underage and dangerous drinking totaling about $1 million each year, which are awarded to local partners in alcohol deterrence efforts;
- An award-winning education and prevention campaign -Know When. Know. How. SM - targeting underage drinking;
- The distribution of educational materials, either by request or by exhibiting at and participating in health fairs, conferences and similar programs;
- An award-winning training program for resident assistants on college campuses; and
- Relationship-building with communities and organizations across Pennsylvania committed to the prevention of alcohol misuse and underage drinking.
The PLCB's Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) training assists licensees with identifying fraudulent IDs, preventing sales to minors, recognizing and handling visibly intoxicated patrons and understanding liability issues. In fiscal year 2022-23, a totalof 6,731owners and managers and 104,273 servers and sellers were trained through RAMP.
Where the Money Goes
Fine Wine & Good Spirits generated more than $3.15billion in sales and taxes in fiscal year 2022-23.
Together, $869.7million was returned to the General Fund and state and local government and other beneficiariesin fiscal year 2022-23.
The PLCB returned $813.4million to the General Fund:
- $450.7million in liquor tax
- $177.6million in state sales tax
- $185.1million incash transfers
The Pennsylvania State Police received $32.3million for the enforcement of liquor laws.
- The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs received $5.2million to educate and prevent problem alcohol use.
- Philadelphia and Allegheny counties received $11.5million in local sales taxes.
- Local communities received $4.3million in returned licensing fees.
