Pennsylvania ranks fourth nationally in the number of federally licensed distilleries. The state’s rich farm lands and enabling Limited Distilleries legislation are just a couple of reasons why the Commonwealth continues to shine at national distilling competitions.
The PADG is focused on bringing together the growing network of distillers, suppliers and their affiliates across the Commonwealth. Please see below for relevant information related to the people and organizations that are ready to help your distillery be successful.
Members of the Guild and those looking to join in support will find guidance and resources regarding distilling in Pennsylvania as well as your legislative advocacy with the state.
PENNSYLVANIA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD (PLCB)
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board was created by state law on Nov. 29, 1933, at the end of Prohibition. Pennsylvania is one of 17 states and two Maryland counties in the United States that controls the sale of alcohol. The agency is governed by a three-member Board whose members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by two-thirds of the state Senate.
The Board regulates – through a selective licensing process – more than 15,000 retail licensees including restaurants, taverns, hotels, clubs, etc., and more than 1,250 wholesale licensees in the commonwealth.
In an effort to support local spirits production, the PLCB, in conjunction with the PADG, operates the PA Preferred Program, which allows designated distilleries the opportunity to sell Pennsylvania-produced spirits in a select number of Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores.
PA SPIRITS PROGRAM
The Pennsylvania Spirits Program allows licensed limited distilleries in Pennsylvania the opportunity to sell their products in Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. This program provides limited distilleries the opportunity to introduce their products to new customers, while providing customers opportunities to “buy local” and support Pennsylvania businesses.
In-state distilleries may select up to 10 products to place in up to 10 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores of their choosing. Each distillery must sell at least one case of spirits per month to continue participating in the program.
To participate in the Pennsylvania Spirits Program, a distiller must have an active Limited Distillery license in Pennsylvania and participate in the standard product listing process, which is detailed in the Procedures & Policies for Vendors Manual.
PA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE and PA PREFERRED
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related industries throughout the commonwealth. Pennsylvania’s 63,000 farm families continue to be the stewards of more than 7.7 million acres of farmland. With $5.7 billion in cash receipts annually from production agriculture, Pennsylvania farmers and agribusinesses are the leading economic driver in our state.
The Department also leads the PA Preferred program, a public-private partnership with many companies throughout the commonwealth. The program is working with thousands of companies and stores to support and promote Pennsylvania products. Next time you are shopping, whether in a major grocery chain, farmers market, or road-side stand make sure to look for the PA Preferred logo and purchase products grown or made in PA.
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (also known as DISCUS) is the leading national trade association for distilled spirits producers, importers, and marketers in the United States. DISCUS serves as distillers’ advocate on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the spirits industry at the local, state, federal and international levels
However, the distilled spirits industry faces legislative and regulatory challenges that impact responsible adult consumers, including punitive taxes, international trade barriers and tariffs, and restrictions on consumer convenience. All DISCUS members enjoy access to, and influence on, its best-in-class advocacy efforts in Washington, DC, state capitols across the US and in key markets around the world. Learn more about DISCUS initiatives at DistilledSpirits.org.
Spirits United
Spirits United is an online community of grassroots advocates united with a common goal to ensure adult consumers can enjoy distilled spirits where they want, how they want, and when they want, responsibly. Spirits United brings together professionals in the distilled spirits industry, supply chain and industry partners, bartenders, mixologists, and customers to participate in the democratic process and advocate for the spirits sector.
You can join Spirits United by visiting SpiritsUnited.org! United, we can secure a more modern and accessible consumer market for the distilled spirits industry.
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