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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Paul Costa
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Costa legislation helps funding for zoos
HARRISBURG, Dec. 8 – Language from legislation state Rep. Paul Costa, D-Allegheny, previously authored was included in a bill passed by the House on Wednesday that would allow the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh zoos to obtain liquor licenses for special events and fundraising purposes.
House Bill 242 changes the liquor code to grant privileges for special occasion licenses to various establishments and venues. Costa introduced an amendment that would allow zoos that are accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to obtain a public venue liquor license.
Costa said the licenses would primarily be used at the zoo's private banquets and events where money generated from these liquor sales would help them gain the revenue to maintain operations.
"This would give the zoos opportunities to use alcohol sales to add to their fundraising efforts. It also would allow them to compete for private banquets such as weddings, events, and reception business, all in an effort to replace the government funding that has been lost over the past few years," Costa said.
The bill now moves to the Governor for his signature.
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