On July 16, 2025, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) approved a new $1-per-case fee on wine and spirits stored in its warehouses, effective January 1, 2026. This decision is expected to cost suppliers $15-$17 million annually—costs that inevitably get passed on to Pennsylvania consumers.

Even more troubling, the fee increase was announced just two days before the Board’s vote, denying consumers, the public, and the legislature any meaningful opportunity for input or oversight.

Pennsylvanians are already paying some of the highest wine and spirits prices in the region. Additional, opaque fee hikes only compound that burden. Consumers deserve real transparency, accountability, and clear limits on behind-the-scenes charges that quietly drive up costs.

To address this, I will soon introduce legislation that requires proper transparency for bailment fee increases and restores the legislature’s proper role in approving any new fees.  Specifically, the bill will require the PLCB to provide formal notice to the Senate and House oversight committees at least 90 days prior to a vote on a proposed bailment fee increase. It will also require that all fees other than standard bailment fees be approved by law.

I hope you will join me in sponsoring this important measure that will bring much-needed transparency and oversight to future PLCB fee decisions.