| Q: |
How many of Wegmans’ Pennsylvania stores would be licensed to sell beer in the Market Café? |
| A: |
We hope that, eventually, all of our Pennsylvania stores will be licensed. |
| Q: |
Isn’t it illegal to sell beer in a grocery store in Pennsylvania? |
| A: |
Restaurants have been able to sell beer for decades. Our Market Café meets the legal definition of a restaurant. Wegmans is applying for a restaurant, or “R”, license to sell beer in our Market Café restaurant only. The Liquor Control Board has records dating back to the 1950s of issuing liquor licenses for restaurants in grocery stores. |
| Q: |
Where in the store would beer be sold? |
| A: |
Beer will be sold only in the Market Café restaurant and only from specific registers. Beer would not be sold (scanned) from the main grocery store check-outs. |
| Q: |
If this is allowed by law, what is the issue? |
| A: |
Unfortunately, there are efforts to block Wegmans’ ability to sell beer by changing the law. |
| Q: |
Who is behind the opposition? |
| A: |
The Malt Beverage Distributors Association (MBDA), which represents beer distributors in Pennsylvania, has proposed the legislation that would prevent us from selling beer in our Market Café restaurant. This would not only prevent Wegmans from doing so, but other food retailers (with restaurants) would be unable to sell beer as well. The MBDA is also actively opposing our license applications pending before the Liquor Control Board. |
| Q: |
If your license is approved, will beer be available for take-out or would I have to consume it in the restaurant? |
| A: |
Both. Wegmans’ customers will have the option of purchasing up to two six-packs of beer to take home, or beer and wine by the single serving as a complement to a meal in the Market Café. |
| Q: |
How will Wegmans prevent the sale of beer to minors? |
| A: |
Wegmans cares about the safety of its employees and the community. We go to great lengths in other states to prevent the sale of beer to minors. Since 2004, we have maintained a strict proof-of-age policy in our stores outside of Pennsylvania. Every customer buying alcohol at Wegmans must provide photo identification, regardless of age. There are no exceptions. This same policy would be maintained in our Pennsylvania stores. Since implementing this policy, we have conducted nearly 12 million transactions involving the sale of alcohol without a single violation. |
| Q: |
What can I do to help? |
| A: |
If you agree, take action and let your voice be heard. Contact your State Legislators. Let them know you appreciate the convenience and choice already provided by Wegmans, and look forward to the option of purchasing beer or wine at Wegmans’ Market Café restaurant. Encourage them to oppose any legislation that would block Wegmans from selling beer and reduce your choices as a consumer. |