Background

The Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania (MBDAPA) is the trade association for all Pennsylvania beer distributors, both retail and wholesale.  MBDA includes over 450 members from throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania .

Since 1936, MBDA has provided information about the Pennsylvania system of beer distribution to consumers, the legislature and MBDA members.  MBDA works to ensure our distributors have the information and programs they need to be successful and to serve their customers and community in an efficient and responsible manner.

Our Mission

MBDA provides a voice for our members in Harrisburg and makes available discounted programs for distributors, including credit/debit card processing and business insurance.

Our Officers, Directors & Staff

MBDA is managed by an Executive Staff and Board of Directors. Directors are elected for a one-year term by a majority vote of the Policy Committee, comprised of Association members. Officers are elected for a one-year term by a majority vote of the board of directors. Officers and directors are not paid employees, but generously give of their time to attend meetings and represent their county members.

View the Officers Directory (PDF)

Consumer Care

Beer distributors offer consumers a wide selection of beers and other beverages in a variety of package sizes and containers. MBDA members represent hundreds of manufacturers, from multi-national breweries to the smallest microbreweries. We provide customers with a vast selection of imported and domestic beers, including all Pennsylvania brews.

A typical member offers consumers more than 1,000 choices in the form of multiple brands, styles, sizes, packages and related snacks and supplies. Because of the variety and quality of our members’ products, Pennsylvania brewers can maximize both exposure and floor space.

Protecting Minors

Beer distributors have years of experience in not selling to minors, and our livelihood is dependent on preventing illegal sales. MBDA members have invested in the newest age verification equipment, and the Association promotes its use by offering discounted pricing through endorsed vendors. Members train employees not to sell to minors or intoxicated persons, and we participate in alcohol awareness and educational programs throughout the Commonwealth. Our distributors also participate in educational and empowering programs, including Cops in Shops, DARE, Family Talk, Project Sticker Shock, RAMP, Responsible Marketing Initiative, Slow on the Bottle Enjoy the Road, TIPS and We ID. They give talks at local schools on the dangers of underage drinking and are a force in the community to fight teen drinking.

How does MBDA encourage adult consumers to drink responsibly?

To promote adult responsibility and fight underage drinking and alcohol abuse, beer distributors work diligently with industry affiliates, enforcement agencies, churches, schools and advocacy groups. Our distributors have formed partnerships with a variety of community groups and initiatives, including:

• Catholic Youth Organization
• College Action Against Underage Drinking, Council on Chemical abuse
• Dickinson University’s Public Safety Department
• MADD
• Pennsylvanians Against Underage Drinking
• PA Liquor Control Boart
• SADD
• Sheriffs’ Association
• Wyoming Valley Alcohol & Drug Service.

Statistics released by the U.S. Department of Transportation show that Pennsylvania, with a decline of 7.4% over 2005, was one of 26 states in which the number of drunk-driving-related fatalities dropped.

Community Involvement

Beer distributors are local, family-owned and operated businesses, generation after generation, who give back to their communities. Our members sponsor a variety of consumer-based programs:

• youth and school athletics
• benefits to help offset medical costs
• cheerleading
• fishing clubs
• bands
• theater groups
• concerts
• school scholarships
• block parties
• fairs and festivals
• parades

MBDA members contribute to a variety of community groups:

Specific beneficiaries include

Besides monetary support, donations may include beverages, snacks, ice, shirts, hats or gift certificates.

Economic Impact

Beer distributors are local employers, and it is estimated that they employee 10,000 workers. MBDA members generate substantial federal, state and local tax revenues. Annually, the Commonwealth receives $1,097,260 in distributor license and filing fees, a portion of which goes back to each local municipality. The tax dollars we generate stay in our communities and in Pennsylvania.

Watch the Presidents message »