Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

ABOUT US The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) was created by state law on Nov. 29, 1933, at the end of Prohibition. Seventeen states (including Pennsylvania) and jurisdictions in Alaska, Maryland, Minnesota, and South Dakota control the sale of distilled spirits and, in some cases, wine and beer through government agencies at the wholesale level. Thirteen of those jurisdictions (including Pennsylvania) also exercise control over retail sales for off-premises consumption. The agency is governed by a three-member Board whose members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by two-thirds of the state Senate. The mission of the PLCB is to responsibly sell wine and spirits as a retailer and wholesaler, regulate Pennsylvania's alcohol industry, promote alcohol education and social responsibility and maximize financial returns for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians. The PLCB regulates the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution and disposition of liquor, alcohol, and malt or brewed beverages in the commonwealth. The agency issues licenses to private individuals or entities that wish to engage in wholesale operations of beer, either as an importing distributor or as a distributor. The agency is also responsible for wholesale distribution of wine and spirits, which licensees may pick up from state-operated Fine Wine Good Spirits stores or licensee service centers or have delivered from PLCB distribution centers.