Politics & Government

Senator Pushes for Sunday Motorcycle Sales

Tomlinson wants to put Pa. dealers on even ground with other states.

Last month, the Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-6th) that would allow licensed dealers in the state to sell motorcycles on Sunday.

According to a release, Tomlinson introduced Senate Bill 419 to give Pennsylvania motorcycle dealers a level playing field with neighboring states that currently allow for Sunday sales.

He added that many Pennsylvania motorcycle dealerships are already open on Sundays to sell merchandise. They can sell all of the parts to build a motorcycle, but they cannot sell the actual bike. Customers must return to the store to complete the purchase.

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"In the past, New York and Delaware allowed for Sunday sales of motorcycles. But last year, both New Jersey and certain counties in Maryland began permitting Sunday sales," Tomlinson said.  "As a result, consumers in the Southeast can easily travel out of state to purchase their bikes, rather than going to local dealers."

Since Sunday sales have been implemented in other states, sales have fallen in Pennsylvania southeast stores. At the same time, sales in New Jersey and Maryland have grown.

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"My legislation would help Pennsylvania dealers compete with stores in other states and increase their sales," Tomlinson said.  "That will not only help our local economy but also bring in additional revenues to the state."

The bill went to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Passage of this measure would likely be good news to local motorcycle dealers like on Bristol Pike.

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