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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 1, 2024 11:53 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Robert Freeman |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Limited Extended Hours for Craft Breweries |
| With its rich, brewing history dating back to the nineteenth century, Pennsylvania has become a fertile ground for the burgeoning craft beer movement. The Commonwealth boasts an array of craft breweries (over 500 in total producing more than 3,000,000 barrels per year) each contributing its precise taste to the state’s brewing narrative. In my legislative district for example, the Weyerbacher Brewing Company, located in Easton, has been a trailblazer in introducing unique and experimental beers to the Pennsylvania craft beer scene since 1995. Unlike the impersonal nature of heavily produced beers, craft breweries frequently emphasize community involvement and aid. This experience of belonging extends past the brewing technique, fostering a connection between brewers and purchasers. Brewery excursions, tastings, and occasions similarly enlarge the community experience, supplying structures for breweries to showcase their creations and for beer fans to discover new flavors. In an effort to help the craft beer movement continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace, I plan to introduce legislation that will allow breweries that provide on-premise consumption to remain open past midnight on New Year's Eve until 2 a.m. on New Year's Day. These businesses will also be allowed to apply for a one-time use permit to remain open until 2 a.m. on one other day of their choosing during the year. Presently, such breweries are only allowed to provide sales until midnight Monday through Saturday and 11 p.m. on Sundays. Adding this flexibility to operating hours will enable these businesses to remain competitive during the New Year’s holiday and allow for late hours if they are holding a special event during the year. I hope you will consider co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB2150
Memo Updated: February 1, 2024 11:54 AM