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House panel hears broad support for bill to close 'stop-and-go' liquor loopholes
Summary
Lawmakers, state regulators and Philadelphia officials told the House Liquor Control Committee that HB 1413 would tighten enforcement against "stop-and-go" establishments that hold restaurant licenses but operate like convenience stores, citing loopholes in appeals and renewal processes and calling for clearer definitions and local co-enforcement. Industry groups urged care to avoid unintended harm to compliant small operators.
HARRISBURG — The House Liquor Control Committee on Tuesday heard extensive testimony on House Bill 1413, legislation that would amend the Pennsylvania Liquor Code to target so-called "stop-and-go" establishments — businesses that hold restaurant or eating-place liquor licenses but operate primarily as takeout outlets or convenience stores.
Rep. Bellman, one of the bill's prime sponsors, told the committee the measure implements recommendations from a bipartisan stop-and-go task force and would "streamline the citation process, strengthen the PLCB's compliance program, [and] increase penalties and fines for noncompliant operators." He said the bill grew out of hearings, site visits and a multi-stakeholder review and is aimed at protecting public health, safety and neighborhood quality of life.
Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, who chaired the task force, described decades of nuisance behavior in Philadelphia and said the task force's unanimous recommendations are reflected in the legislation. "These things are hard to imagine," he said, describing businesses that sell shots, allow minors inside and lack seating or food service expected of a restaurant.
Daryl Clark, chair of the Pennsylvania Liquor…
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