PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvanians will be paying more for wine and liquor starting on Sunday. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is raising prices 4%, across the board.
So, for instance, a $10 bottle of wine will go up to $10.40, and a $20 bottle of vodka will go up to $20.80.
Both distributors of alcoholic beverages and the state’s largest consumer of them — the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association — have criticized the price increase, but the PLCB says it’s necessary.
Like any other retailer, they must cope with rising costs, said PLCB spokesman Shawn Kelly.
“We are facing the same operational increases, and it’s something that just has to be done in order for us to maintain profitability and continue benefiting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Kelley said.
“Our delivery trucks are on the Turnpike; those tolls have gone up. Our vehicles take gas and diesel; those costs have gone up. We’re also experiencing higher credit card fees. This is something we really do not take lightly, but it’s time for us to raise our prices.”
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However, from the industry’s perspective, the increase seems somewhat arbitrary. Zach Pyzik, head of government affairs for PRLA, questions the need for the increase, as well as its timing — just before a new administration takes office.
He says his members have barely recovered from the pandemic, and now they feel blindsided by an unexpected increase and the speed with which it is going into effect.
“It’s disappointing. This just feels like another unpredictable issue that they will now have to deal with,” Pyzik said.
“Despite liquor licensees representing 30% of the PLCB’s product sales, many believe they’re not treated as the wholesale partners they truly are.”
Pyzik says his group will lobby for a higher discount than the current 10% on large-volume orders.