Pennsylvania to privatize wine, liquor sales in coming year

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Wine and liquor next year may be available for sale in retail outlets, including pharmacy, across Pennsylvania. 

Pa. Gov. Tom Corbett on Tuesday submitted the spending plan for the 2013/2014 state budget, which includes a provision to replace the more than 600 state liquor stores with twice as many privately run liquor and wine stores, according to an AP report published Tuesday by the Patriot News. 

Privatizing wine and liquor sales, which Corbett states will be budget-neutral for Pennsylvania, will open the door for wine sales in big-box retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacy operations. 

The plan allows for up to 1,200 wine and liquor licenses, which would double the number of state-owned outlets in operation today. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which presently operates the state-run stores, would still exist in a licensing capacity.

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