Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) today released unaudited financial results for fiscal year 2024-25, with wine and spirits sales topping $3.16 billion (including liquor and sales taxes) and reinvestments in Pennsylvania communities totaling $876.6 million.
"While Pennsylvanians are familiar with our Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, the largest dedicated network of wine and spirits retailers in the commonwealth, some may be unaware of how purchases at those stores are a reinvestment engine for Pennsylvania,” said Board Chairman Darrell Clarke. “Fine Wine & Good Spirits and the PLCB not only offer unmatched product selection and education for consumers, but we also provide fair-wage, family sustaining jobs and support local government initiatives, community alcohol education and prevention efforts, dedicated support of police and public safety, and investments in schools, safety and communities.”
Contributions to state and local governments and other beneficiaries totaled $876.6 million for the fiscal year.
Contributions to the General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services, totaled more than $815 million. General Fund contributions consisted of the following:
- $444.4 million in liquor tax;
- $176 million in state sales tax; and
- $194.6 million in cash transfers.
Other PLCB contributions over the course of the fiscal year included the following:
- $36.3 million to the Pennsylvania State Police for liquor control enforcement efforts;
- $11.5 million in local sales taxes to Philadelphia and Allegheny counties;
- $4.4 million in licensing fees returned to local municipalities; and
- $2.7 million to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Additionally, the PLCB authorized $3.7 million in grants in fiscal year 2024-25 in support of Pennsylvania’s beer, wine and liquor industries and awarded $1.7 million in alcohol education grants during the year to reduce underage and dangerous drinking.
Additionally, the PLCB is funded entirely by the sale of wines and spirits, requiring no taxpayer dollars to support its operations.
Sales in the most recently completed fiscal year totaled $3.16 billion (including liquor and sales taxes), $20.7 million or 0.6% less than the prior year. This resulted in net income for the year totaling $135.2 million, which was $106.9 million or 44.2% less than the prior fiscal year. Increases in payroll and benefits and unfavorable changes to PLCB’s pension and other post-employment benefit actuarial valuation expenses were the biggest contributing factors to the decrease in net income, along with a sales decrease.
Fiscal Year 2024-25 ran from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores statewide, and licenses more than 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. For more information about the PLCB, visit pa.gov/lcb.
Fine Wine & Good Spirits is Pennsylvania’s go-to destination for wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink cocktails, as well as in-store tastings and events. With more than 560 stores, 13 licensee service centers and a robust online shopping experience at FWGS.com, Fine Wine & Good Spirits offers a wide selection of products for customers to discover new favorites, find trusted classics, and explore exclusive, limited-release selections. Fine Wine & Good Spirits and the PLCB contribute to the state’s economy by returning taxes and profits – nearly $23.5 billion since the agency’s inception – to Pennsylvania’s General Fund, financing Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety and community initiatives. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state.
Every purchase made at a Fine Wine & Good Spirits store or at FWGS.com helps strengthen Pennsylvania, supporting nearly 6,000 employees and more than 2,500 communities across the commonwealth.
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