
PFMA hosted a Wine Summit as part of the Fall Legislative Conference, October 4-5 at the Harrisburg Hilton. Panelists included John Metzger, executive director of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board; Karen Coates, chief of staff and counsel for Speaker Mike Turzai; Terri Cofer Bierne, eastern counsel, The Wine Institute; and RJ O’Hara, partner, Flaherty-O’Hara, PC.
PLCB Executive Director John Metzger, who plans to retire next month, gave an update on Act 39. After it was enacted, the PLCB had about 60 days to digest the new law and prepare for the new wine permits. They had to make organizational changes, dedicate a project manager and make IT changes. Staff met with chains, independents and co-ops to collaboratively plan for the logistics, proper assortment, forecasting and to find out what items they want to carry. Many companies started with a pilot of a limited number of sku’s and should be fully stocked in a few weeks.
PLCB developed LOOP (License Online Ordering Portal) for retailers to make purchases 24/7 with order history, sales and promotions and detailed reports. They are working on a returns and backhaul program.
Forty expired licenses were up for auction by sealed bid (Oct. 31 deadline) and more will be available for auction throughout the year.
PLCB Executive Director John Metzger, who plans to retire next month, gave an update on Act 39. After it was enacted, the PLCB had about 60 days to digest the new law and prepare for the new wine permits. They had to make organizational changes, dedicate a project manager and make IT changes. Staff met with chains, independents and co-ops to collaboratively plan for the logistics, proper assortment, forecasting and to find out what items they want to carry. Many companies started with a pilot of a limited number of sku’s and should be fully stocked in a few weeks.
PLCB developed LOOP (License Online Ordering Portal) for retailers to make purchases 24/7 with order history, sales and promotions and detailed reports. They are working on a returns and backhaul program.
Forty expired licenses were up for auction by sealed bid (Oct. 31 deadline) and more will be available for auction throughout the year.