Pennsylvania became one step close to privatizing liquor Thursday night, when House Bill 790 passed through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after over eight hours of debates.
Representative Greg Lucas, (R) 5th District, was one of the 105 who voted in favor of this bill.
He called the original bill controversial, but said the one that passed is helping beer distributors.
"They worked it through committee, spent a lot of time on it, revamped it, made it much more palpable to the beer which are distributors, small businessmen, which is where our core is right there," said Lucas.
But local beer distributor owners, like Joe Tssario, doesn't see it that way. He said he was disappointed, but not surprised by the vote. According to him, the bill looks good on paper, but doesn't help small business owners like himself. He now is worried about the future of his business.
"I was going to do this for a few more years, maybe sell it," said Tssario. "I was hoping I'd have something of value to sell, but I don't know now."
Tssario said he feels this bill was rushed through the House, and he's hoping the senate will the take the time make any necessary changes. Local representatives who voted against House Bill 790, are hoping for the same thing.
"I hope that the senate has more sense, and I think they will, to have public hearings and to vent it out," said Rep. Pat Harkins, (D) 1st District. "I don't think it will go any further."
The Senate is expected to take a look at the bill in the next 30 to 60 days.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WICU. All Rights Reserved.
