They cite varying and, in some cases, complex reasons for their concern. And they maintain that they support liquor-law reform if it happens fairly and in the proper context.

But in the end, the debate boils down to economics.

For instance, Pennsylvania Tavern Association members are not interested in allowing distributors to jump into the six-pack and 12-pack market.

"We just don't need this kind of competition," said Amy Christie, the association's executive director.

"We supply over 100,000 jobs a year to Pennsylvania." Christie said the association also is disappointed that the bill does not give licensees more flexibility in terms of where they must buy their beer.

Currently, taverns and restaurants can purchase only from one designated distributor -- and not necessarily the closest or lowest-priced distributor.

Pennsylvania Malt Beverage Distributors Association, which represents beer distributors, certainly would like its members to be able to sell beer in smaller quantities.

But the group also opposes the Senate bill, in part because it would allow other licensees to sell an 18-pack -- just six brews shy of the cases now available only through distributors.

"We feel that would be another tool that would be used against the distributors," association President David Shipula said.

Pennsylvania Beer Wholesalers Association, a group made up of larger "importing distributors" that sell beer to regular distributors, also does not support the bill.

That leads state Rep. Robert Donatucci to one conclusion.

"Everybody's mad," said Donatucci, a Philadelphia Democrat who leads the House Liquor Control Committee.

"So the way I look at it is," he said, "it must be a good consumers bill." It is unclear whether the Senate bill can win approval from a majority of Pennsylvania's lawmakers. But Donatucci contends that, one way or another, change is on the way.

"We've got to do something that makes beer sales in Pennsylvania more consumer-friendly," he said.

But how friendly is too friendly?