PA Beer

About PBA

The Pennsylvania Beer Alliance was originally created in 1973. The PBA was first incorporated under the name of the Pennsylvania Importing Master Distributors Association (PIMDA). The name PIMDA denoted in its clearest sense the actual position that the members of our alliance hold in the Commonwealth’s 3 tier system of beer distribution.

The Pennsylvania Beer Alliance, as it is now called, is a full-service professional trade association representing primarily the wholesale tier of distributors of malt and brewed beverages in Pennsylvania. The members of the PBA operate in an area of business that is heavily controlled and regulated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As such, the alliance has an active program of monitoring and often times initiating or opposing legislation affecting our member companies. The PBA strongly supports the licensed three tier distributing system for the sale of malt and brewed beverages in Pennsylvania.

In addition to a wide range of benefits for our member companies, the PBA is a valuable resource to policy makers and the public on alcohol regulation, educational programs designed to combat underage drinking and drunk driving; as well as assisting adult consumers with information on product availability
in Pennsylvania.

About the New Team

Jay Wiederhold President	Jay was formerly the Executive Director of the state House Liquor Control Committee serving under chairmen Ron Raymond and Roy Reinard. Jay brings with him 12 years of experience in State Government (all at House of Representatives). Prior to service on the House Liquor Control Committee, Jay worked for the late Representative Karl Boyes as a staff member on the House Finance Committee for 4 years and after that as Special Projects Coordinator for, then Majority Leader John Perzel (past Speaker of the House) before taking over the Liquor Control Committee. Jay is considered very knowledgeable in the workings of the State Legislature and has established many connections over the years. Jay is a 1994 graduate of Penn State University (BS – Public Administration)


Fran O’Brien Legal Counsel	Also coming aboard with PBA, in the newly created position of legal counsel, is Harrisburg attorney Francis X. O’Brien who is recognized for his expertise in state liquor law. Fran is a former chief counsel to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board from 1989 to 1997 Fran earlier served as chief counsel to the Pennsylvania State Police and as an assistant state attorney general. Fran holds a bachelor’s and law degree from Villanova University

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