Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has begun the process of seeking federal approval to import and sell rum produced in Cuba, the Associated Press is reporting.
With the exception of charcoal, the U.S. bans nearly all imports from Cuba, a position stemming back to the seizure by the Communist regime of Fidel Castro of nearly all privately owned businesses in 1959-60.
A separate ban applies to Havana Club. That issue, which has been litigated for years, is over who owns the Havana Club trademark. If PLCB is successful, it might not be allowed to sell Havana Club, while being allowed to sell the same liquid under another name. That would, presumptively, cut Pernod Ricard out of the action.
PLCB told the AP that private wholesalers are also exploring ways to import Cuban rum.