Report: PLCB pulls plug on wine kiosk program

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has halted its wine kiosk program at grocery stores, according to published reports.

PLCB said it was prompted by a financial dispute with the program's vendor, Simple Brands LLC, which owes the state anywhere between about $800,000 to $1 million.

"I think it was a great attempt to try to do something for the convenience of our customers," PLCB CEO Joe Conti was quoted as saying. "It didn't end up successful, but we learned a lot, we will be better for it, and listen, we had thousands of buyers who predominantly were happy with the convenience when they bought a bottle of wine through these kiosks."

As previously reported, the Pennsylvania wine kiosk program experienced several setbacks, including mechanical and technological issues, which prompted customer complaints and ultimately caused retailers, such as Wegmans, to bid the program farewell.