Senate Approves Coleman Bill to Expunge COVID-era Citations

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation authored by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) that would expunge punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses.

In 2024, while being questioned by the Senate Appropriations Committee during a state budget hearing, then-PLCB Chairman Tim Holden and Board Member Randy Vulakovich confirmed the PLCB was using the license renewal process to ensure that license holders faced "consequences" for failing to comply with COVID-related executive orders. The PLCB's enforcement has included the issuance of conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and the required sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business..

In response to the PLCB's admission, Coleman introduced Senate Bill 241 to expunge COVID-related citations from the record of retail liquor license holders that are under the purview of the PLCB.

"Pennsylvania businesses suffered enough during COVID and continuing to punish them today or in the future isn't in anyone's best interest," Coleman said. "Every other commonwealth agency has recognized the impossible situation restaurants were in and they've dropped enforcement actions for COVID rule violations. It's beyond time that the PLCB follows suit and lets these small businesses focus on making a living."

Senate Bill 241 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Leo Knepper