It really is time to end the ridiculous state store system. All we get from it is higher prices, poor selection, and often salespeople who know little about what they're selling (I once was looking for curaçao and had someone tell me triple sec and curaçao were the same thing)

In some states you can even buy hard liquor in a gas station

I agree. the state store system costs us more and is totally inconvenient.

Who cares about state stores when NJ and Delaware are so close by...

Think of the PLCB on an enlaged scale and you will realize how retail commerce worked in the old Soviet Union.I understand even Putin's Russia doesn't have state monopoly liquor stores now! Workers of PA Unite, we've nothing to lose but our PLCB chains!

PA will be cheaper than NJ once NJ places a 25% hurricane Sandy emergency tax on booze.
PA is about to remove the 18% Johnstown flood tax from wine and liquor. It has finally been paid off on 12-21-2012.

PLCB BRINGS IN A LOT OF REVENUE TO STATE COFFERS. LOSE THAT MONEY TAXES GO UP . AND PRICES ARE COMPARABLE TO OTHER STATES

Prices are not even remotely comparable, and when you consider no tax in Delaware, the difference is significant...

Remember what idiots wish for gets them in the end. New Hampshire State System has some of the lowest prices in the Nation and some of the Better Box Wine Selections for YOU

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444772804577621673117805522.html

http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/dec/14/get-tough-on-liquor-sales/ Careful what you wish for.....

Washington Liquor privatization update

Washington voters were seduced by Costco's $20 million TV ad campaign promising lower prices and higher selection. They auctioned their existing stores this past March-April, - only raised $30 million and only received $150 million for wholesale rights, far below the multi billion windfall trumpeted by the privateers. Washington wrecked a system that returned $461 million to their treasury in 2011.

PA LCB returned nearly $500 million to our treasury in fiscal 2012, a 5% gain over 2011, compared to average 3% gains seen in the 17 other state-controlled systems. This in addition to $103 million in operating profits and $22 million given to the state police.

Washington is collecting as much sales tax as before. BUT - they went from 300 stores to over 1,500, most open until 2:00 AM. They have 5 times the stores - unit sales only increased by 8%. The pie is only so big. All of those extra forks diggin in just came out with a much smaller piece.

Meanwhile, retail prices jumped 27-95%, to accommodate new taxes and all attendant business acquisition costs. Selection dropped dramatically in most new locations, with retailers concentrating on the quick-selling jugs. In every LCB store, customers have access to nearly 6,000 stock items and over 32,000 items in special liquor orders. Washington consumers are the big losers in every aspect.

http://seattletimes.com/html/opinion/2019716284_brendanwilliamsopedxml.html

Lets privatize it and expand the number of retailers

Hi Mike! Sent you a message on FB. Expanding the number of licenses isn't working for Washington St. http://seattletimes.com/avantgo/2019871968.html

does privatizing include the distribution system as well? The PLCB has binding long term contracts with producers both in the USA and foreign.

I just guessing

So those against priviatization would like to pay for the pensions of the LCB employees?

Typical TP response. Suddenly eliminating a large number of people currently paying in to the plan would make it even less solvent. I know that would make you very happy but the PLCB only count for less than one percent of state pensions. Besides, when I buy a car I pay for UAW pensions, In fact whenever I shop I try to buy American and union label so I know my a part of my dollars are going back to the middle class. And yes I support our state police, teachers, and other public service pensions I support through my taxes. Tell me, ab, exactly what it is you have against secure middle class families.

all public section unions in PA MUST GO!