PLCB reports more than $3.1B in wine, spirits sales

Wine and spirits sales in Pennsylvania totaled $3.18 billion in fiscal year 2023-24, according to unaudited financial results released by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).

Including liquor and sales taxes, sales totals were $29.7 million more than last year. The result in net income for the year was $242.1 million, $18.7 million less than the 2022-23 fiscal year. Per a release, increases in payroll and benefits and unfavorable changes to PLCB’s pension and other post-employment benefit expenses were the biggest contributing factors to the drop in net income.  

Contributions to state and local governments and other beneficiaries totaled $868.3 million for FY 2023-24. Contributions to the General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other public services, were more than $811.2 million.  

FY 2023-24 ran from July 1 through June 30.  

General Fund contributions included the following:  

• $448.7 million in liquor tax.  

• $177.4 million in state sales tax.  

• $185.1 million in cash transfers.  

Other PLCB contributions over the fiscal year included the following:  

• $33 million to the Pennsylvania State Police for liquor control enforcement efforts.  

• $11.9 million in local sales taxes to Philadelphia and Allegheny counties.  

• $4.4 million in licensing fees returned to local municipalities.  

• $4.8 million to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.  

FY 2023-24 saw the PLCB authorize $2.2 million in grants supporting Pennsylvania’s beer and wine industries and award $1.7 million in alcohol education grants to reduce underage and dangerous drinking.   

The PLCB regulates the state’s distribution of beverage alcohol, operates about 575 wine and spirits stores, and licenses more than 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. It also seeks to prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees.  

Taxes and store profits are returned to Pennsylvania’s General Fund, which finances schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, and public services. In addition, the PLCB provides financial support for the State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, state agencies, and municipalities.