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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Harry Readshaw |
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Readshaw introduces liquor license saturation limit bill
HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny, today announced that he has introduced a bill that would give municipalities the ability to limit future liquor licenses issued in their community once the ratio of existing licenses to the population reaches a certain number.
Readshaw said residents in portions of his district are increasingly concerned about the growing concentration of bars and restaurants in their municipalities.
“Some places in my district have reached saturation,” Readshaw said. “Neighborhood residents tell me they can’t handle any more overflow parking, noise and associated disruption.
“The problem isn’t so much that any of these establishments are operating irresponsibly, it’s just that the sheer numbers of customers are overwhelming to nearby residents. You’re glad that there’s a successful business, but with so many of them concentrated together, it’s kind of ‘too much of a good thing.’”
Readshaw said the legislation he introduced today (H.B. 2170) would allow a municipality, working with the Liquor Control Board, to determine a maximum saturation ratio for the community. If the saturation level has been met or exceeded, the municipality would have to approve any future transfer or issuance of a license based on a number of factors. Factors would include the type of establishment, zoning at the site, and the size of that particular zoned district.
Readshaw emphasized that his legislation would make it optional for a municipality to adopt the liquor license saturation policy.
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CONTACT: Jay Purdy |