Pa. Bill Would Decriminalize Out-of-State Liquor Purchases

The days of cross-border liquor smuggling may be about to end. The Delco Daily Times reports that legislators are proposing legislation that would decriminalize out-of-state alcohol purchases.

The proposed law would allow residents to bring home wine, beer and liquor purchased outside of Pennsylvania without facing legal ramifications.

Pennsylvania’s current law restricts state residents from crossing borders and bringing back alcohol purchased outside the commonwealth, where they typically find cheaper prices. Violators could face up to 90 days in prison.

The effort is supported by Rep. Joe Hackett and Sen. Dominic Pileggi, both Republicans. They say it is separate from privatization efforts. “This proposal is apart from whether or not we privatize,” Pileggi told the paper. “I don’t think it should be a criminal offense for people to a legally purchase a good in another state.”