Harrisburg – Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) Chairman Tim Holden, on behalf of the Board including members Mary Isenhour and Randy Vulakovich, today issued the following statement in response to a press release from the Distilled Spirit Council of the United States (DISCUS):
"DISCUS's objection to the PLCB's January price increases is surprising at best, disingenuous at worst. Every single one of the 14 DISCUS Director Members from which the PLCB buys product increased costs and retail prices within the last two years without PLCB input. Also, since the January price increases were announced, a number of DISCUS members have approached the PLCB about additional cost increases, disappointed that they didn't get a 'cut' of the planned PLCB increases."
The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. Taxes and store profits – totaling nearly $19.5 billion since the agency's inception – are returned to Pennsylvania's General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania's schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state. For more information about the PLCB, visit lcb.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn M. Kelly, 717.303.8522
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