Lawmaker who chaired Liquor Control Committee moves to lobbying role for Pa. brewers

Former Rep. Adam Harris, a Republican who spent 16 years in the General Assembly before retiring last session, has a new job leading outreach for Pennsylvania’s beer brewing industry.

Harris was chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee in 2016 when the state reformed its liquor laws, including letting distributors sell six packs.

“Brewers across Pennsylvania have an incredible story to tell. They are creating jobs, revitalizing communities, and making some of the best beer in the nation,” Harris said in a statement that named him deputy director of the Brewers of Pennsylvania. “I’m excited to help tackle some of our state’s legislative issues, and join the effort to make Pennsylvania the go-to destination for craft beer enthusiasts from around the country.”

The brewing industry contributed $5.7 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy in 2016, according to numbers from the national Brewers Association. The commonwealth is the No. 1 producer of craft beer in the U.S. and has the sixth highest number breweries, with 282.