Break in beer bottleneck?

HARRISBURG - This could end up being the year of the six-pack.

After months of wrangling, state senators have crafted a viable draft of a bill that would change where and how Pennsylvanians buy beer. Although it has a ways to go before becoming law, the measure could make it possible for consumers to easily pick up a six-pack virtually anywhere in the state.

It would give beer drinkers here something they have lacked: convenience.

"It's time we paid attention to the consumers of Pennsylvania instead of the special interests," said Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr. (R., Montgomery), chairman of the Law and Justice Committee, which yesterday approved amendments to the beer bill. "I know that may offend some, but that's the way it goes."

The proposal would allow beer distributors to sell six-packs in addition to the cases that they are restricted to selling now.

Restaurants and taverns - as well as convenience stores and supermarkets that provide seating and food service - would gain more flexibility in how much beer they sold to each customer.

They could sell as many as three six-packs at a time, up from two now. And, starting in September, they could sell any packaging configuration of up to 18 beers.

Also in September, distributors could begin selling 12-packs, 18-packs, or any other package of up to 24 beers. (The latter, for all you nondrinkers of beer, is a case.)

The bill's sponsors, Rafferty and Sen. Sean Logan (D., Allegheny), said the legislation had broad support in the Senate, which could give it final consideration next month. If approved, the bill would go to the House, which could consider it before the end of the year.

But before beer mugs are raised in celebration, a warning: The bill could be amended again, and it faces opposition from organizations representing beer distributors and tavern owners that believe it could force many of their members out of business.

Mary Lou Hogan, executive secretary of the Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania, said she had not seen the full amendments that the committee approved yesterday.

But Hogan said she feared the bill would encourage convenience stores and supermarkets to meet the criteria for selling beer alongside the thousands of other products they offer. That, she said, would create devastating competition for beer distributors, who are restricted to a very limited menu: beer and some small packages of munchies.

"For the last 70 years, distributors have had to function under these restrictions," Hogan said. "So, when people talk about us complaining about competition, it's unfair. It's not an even playing field."

Amy Christie, executive director for the Pennsylvania Tavern Association, said her membership would also be put in a tough spot.

The bill, she said, does not address what her association considers the underlying problem: the state distribution system, which requires taverns to buy beer from a specific distributor rather than letting them shop around for the best price.

"Despite what is being said, this bill does not address the consumer-friendliness issues," Christie said.

Logan, one of the sponsors of the bill, said it could save beer drinkers money because, in theory, more competition could drive down prices.

He also said the bill would help microbreweries, which could market their product to a wider audience. Customers at a distributorship now may be reluctant to try a case of microbrewery beer because if they don't like the taste, they are stuck with unwanted bottles.

The bill could also reduce the number of Pennsylvanians who cross into Delaware or New Jersey to buy beer at stores with no restrictions and greater selection.

Also, economic-development grants would be available to Pennsylvania's 67 breweries to help them buy new equipment to package beer in the new configurations.

But mainly, Logan said, the bill is about giving people choice.

"Poll after poll tells the same story: People think it's asinine that they have to go into a beer distributor and buy a case of beer," he said.

Beer drinkers tend to agree.

Yesterday at the West Goshen Deli, where there was a special on a six-pack of 16-ounce Miller Lite cans for $5.50, a steady stream of customers walked out with six-packs.

Many said they liked the idea of having more choice.

"I think it would be more convenient," said Chris Schroth, 25, of West Chester.

Christine Hasen, owner of Christine's Consignment Boutique in West Chester, said that when she was vacationing in Florida, "it was kind of nice" that supermarkets had a selection of wines and beers.

"It was much more convenient," she said. "Pennsylvania baffles everybody."