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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Paul Costa |
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Costa initiatives part of Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s
modernization plan
Harrisburg, Feb. 29 – This week the House Appropriations Committee heard testimony from the Liquor Control Board which included initiatives state Rep. Paul Costa, D-Allegheny, proposed in the House as part of its modernization plan.
Costa has introduced a measure that would allow the LCB and licensed direct shippers to deliver liquor to consumers, including wine purchased directly from a limited winery. Under Costa’s legislation, the board would be entitled to charge a fee for this service. Since November 2011, the LCB has offered a limited form of direct shipment to consumers. In April, it will assess the impact this offering has had on revenues.
“For several sessions now, I have introduced legislation that would expand options for the direct shipment of wine,” Costa said. “I am anxious to review the analysis of the limited direct shipment of goods the LCB is currently offering. My legislation would give the LCB lawful backing to expand its modernization efforts, which I believe will ultimately benefit consumers in Pennsylvania.”
Additionally, the LCB hopes to offer self-service lottery machines within the stores. The machines are estimated to increase revenue by approximately $8 million. Costa introduced an amendment to give the LCB the ability to expand the use of lottery machines to assist in revenue generation.
“The LCB is telling us it plans to implement into its modernization plan ideas I already put forth in the House and I think that consumers of alcoholic beverages in Pennsylvania will benefit greatly from these changes and the LCB will see an increase in revenue because of it,” Costa said.
As a member of the House Liquor Control Committee and Democratic secretary of the House Appropriations Committee, Costa said he intends to continue to follow the progress of these measures.