If the goal is to create jobs, the liqour liscensing procedures and cost for restaurants and bars also need to be addressed. If their process was easier and more affordable more people would open restauarants and bars creating thousands of jobs.

Yeah, Corbett's a moron. He's going to get a big one-time 4 million dollar infusion into the states revenue with the sale. But the Liquor industry brings in an annual revenue of 2.2 million a year. So he gets a bit more the year of the sale but loses in the long run. What a moron!

Good luck, been trying for 20 years!

The idea is to stop the monopoly and keep the union money machine flowing into the coffers of the Democratic Party bosses.. Maybe the dry counties in Pa. will finally get the right to sell alcohol. 2 of the local beer stops near me went out of business, and now too many of us have to drive quite a distance to purchase our beer of choice. I welcome privatizing, if the grocery carries beer, great for those of us who can't get time to go 20 mins out of our way, (both ways, up hill) the grocery is 5 mins away. Do the math, with gas cost and the longer drive, I welcome it, Union pension is all this is about, a small member organization , throwing its weight around like we can't live without you.. You have out grown your usefulness, The citizens of Pa. deserve better than what you deliver.

What next will this guy wanna get rid off? Will it be the whole commenwealth o wait every country is just about here anyway.

I say PRIVATIZE whatever you can!

@Augustine: I think you mean billions of $$, not millions. Let's read the whole plan before calling him a moron. I think one of the problems will be the cost of the license, which will preclude small business from buying them. We will see liquor stores owned by big businesses like Walmart, Wegmans, etc. While I am for privatization, I'm not sure this will be a boom for "small business." Who will control the wholesale business??

"State Store"..That's what they have in Cuba and used to have in communist countries. The "State" running what should be private enterprise. I guess the majority of us who don't like them are "enemies of the state"...lol
The retail clerks union will likely stop this latest try. You know and I know the ignorant people who work at "State Stores" wouldn't be able to get a job at Burger King.

In the past I never really thought much about unions. Now I hate them. They are like the dinosaur...they should be extinct! Do a cost/benefit analysis. They are NOT worth it!

What benefit do we, the alcohol consumers of Pennsylvania, stand to gain from privatization? To anyone who thinks they'll save $, go visit NJ, MD, VA (listing only states I've visited) and you will see that Pennsylvania's buying power gets us some good prices. Delaware is the ONLY place I've ever been with lower alcohol prices than PA.

you can legally buy and smoke weed in certain states in the US, but here in PA were are so antiquated that you not only can't buy alcohol at a grocery store, but you can't even buy beer and liquor in the same store! PATHETIC!

The state will still be getting it's income in taxes (i.e. Johnstown Flood 18% tax & it's $200 million in revenue each year). The government is sogreat at overseeing eveything it does as we speak.... which is why the post office and social security are doing so well. The government can't tie it's own shoes... get anything & everything out of it's hands before it spoils!!! One time payout of 4 million & 2.2 in annual revenue? Are those figures from the 60's? Someone is pulling numbers out of the air!! Privatize it!! The state will have zero overhead (storefronts, inventory, employees, etc..), and a windfall of tax revenue! As far as loss of jobs go... wrong again!!! Unions jam that garbage down your throat... I don't believe robots will be stocking shelves and packing my vino in the boxes!!!

Couple of questions:

- I had read that beer distributors would be able to sell six packs. I don't see that in the press release.

- How much money will the State of PA loose with this privatization on a yearly basis?

- What is Governor Corbett proposing to in an effort to make up that loss of PA State revenue?

- I also read that Governor Corbett intends to have a higher wholesale tax on gasoline sales. Is that how he intends to replace the State of PA's income when he privatizes the liquor stores?

- I also question sales being made in box stores. Won't the box stores end up being a monopoly in many PA communities, that will destroy any attempt of the real small business (the mom and pop stores) of the ability to be successful like they have done to so many retail owners?

The greed extends to both sides of the aisles always both Republican and Democrats alike have their greedy mits out and could care less about the revenue, people or jobs as long as their palms are always greased.

Like paying $5 extra a bottle in Newtown for wine and spirits? That's what's going to happen with Corbett's plan when the "Newtown premium" hits the statewide-mandated prices on wine. If you buy wine regularly, voting for privatization is like voting for a tax increase.

The Commonwealth of PA is the single largest alcohol buyer in the country. With that buying power, you would think that the prices would be competitive with NJ and other areas, but they are not. Why? The state stores have to overpay for their help and give their workers a pension. Why should a liquor store bozo get a pension? He shouldn't, and thats why we overpay for booze

Why is Corbett so all fired in a hurry to privatize? There definitely is an ulterior motive.First the Lottery now Liquor, why not the State police they did such a great job under AG Corbett when investigating Sandusky? O r was that because Corbett didn't want to get his hands dirty with Penn State voters? This man Corbett is a wolf in wolfs clothing and I believe he is worried that he can't do pay backs because he may not get a second term and he shouldn't.

hey greg, have another beer

Whoops! My comment was for Greg.

the system is broken in PA. I had no choice to go to Delaware, illegally I might add, to buy the Scotch I wanted because the state makes it a special order requires an insane minimum order of 12 bottles for them to ship to the store. Kinda pricey when it costs over $200 a bottle. There was also a bottle of sherry I wanted and the state doesn't even carry it. Another trip to Claymont. Arguments of lost jobs are ludicrous because this will allow even more jobs with more stores opened and no caps on the number or workers the former state workers can have seniority. It will allow for a much better selection which means no more risking arrest for going out of state to buy something not available here. Pennsylvania's wine selections are pathetic and the laughingstock of the East coast. Only Utah has more antiquated laws than we do.

Privatization will raise billions of dollars for the state in the selloff of licenses. Privatization will reduce costs the state incurs from state store employee salaries and significant real estate expenditures. Privatization will improve service and selection for PA residents, thus likely increasing tax revenues. There is nothing but good that would come from privatization.

State stores feature limited selections of wine at high prices. It is long past time to privatize these fossils.

ok let me just say this, Corbett is a liar, after paying off everything if this works they will be lucky to have 500mil (which is a yr of payments with the current system) so after a yr taxes will go up to cover the loss and prices will go through the roof look at wash state. also anyone dumb enough to open a new store will be closing in 6 months once the big stores knock prices down till the little guy is closed

Privatization, in the case of liquor stores, is shrinking the size of the government....I'm all for that in almost every possible case (excluding safety related agencies). Too much government means higher taxes, more government employees & their outrageous benefits/pensions and more unions that drive costs up. Let the free market work.

Soon it seems, Pennsylvania will be left to drunks, gamblers, and seniors playing the lottery for a slim to nothing chance to win. If the Governor or the legislature's pensions could be raffled off, I'd be one of the first to buy a ticket. Has anyone thought about paying attention to Pennsylvania's deteriorating infrastructure? No, privatization of anything worth selling for quick cash seems to be the Number 1 short term goal.

If it were up to Corbett, everything would be privitized..After next year's election, Corbett will be back working in the public sector...He's a jerk! If he wants money for Pa. coffers let him do what every other state in the union does, hitting the gas companies with an extraction fee..However, since they gave him a cool million, he refuses to do so..This is just another way for him to dump public sector workers for a private entity..he can then hit them up for millions in campaign donations..The guy is a crook..His popularity rating is in the dumps and they should be!

Corbett is trying to do the right thing, albeit for the wrong reasons.

Pat, unions served their purpose and now they need to go! Costs...bloated pension plans, inability to fire subpar employees, how about the inability to fire a teacher who has been inappropriate with a student, bloated wages, corruption.....the list can go on.

If you want to run the state more like a Business, Keep them!
Why would anyone sell a "cash cow"
Income received by the state
1- sales tax on liquor sales
2- profit from the actual liquor.
Why would you sell a monopoly?
All they have to to is renegotiate some of there leases to keep expenses down!!
Even if the state closes Or moves a
Few locations in the renegotiation process, people always drive by a state
Store.

I agree with almost every commenter here. It is high time for privately owned liquor stores. I seems to work well everywhere else. We were one of the last states to hang onto the blue laws, now most people don't know what that means. If Corbitt goes throught with this plan I will vote for him again just for having the gonolies to do it. The current employees have a bloated pension plan that is sinking Pennsylvanians with taxes that will need to be raised 25% to fund the program, it is like over the top and they all know it. How much training does it take to put a bottle on the shelf and bag the bottles on the way out? Go for it Corbitt!

I'm on the fence with this proposal. If the state stands to lose revenue annual revenue from the sale, then that's not really worth the one time cash infusion, but then that means that they should do more to be the best they can. The anti union talk sounds more like a separate bias. I guess it's ok to put people out of work for cheaper alcohol, but I wonder how those deriding those union workers would feel if their jobs were in jeopardy. I also don't see how existing mom and pop shops will be able to compete with big box retail or convienence stores. just saying, those stores don't have union workers. In the end tho, it's about numbers. What are the savings vs the lost revenue?

Q. I’d like to buy some beer.

A. How much beer do you want?

Q. Why does it matter?

A. Well, if you want a single beer, you can go to a bar. If you want a 6-pack you can go to a ‘package store’. If you want a case, you can go to a distributor. However, you can’t get a 6 pack at the distributor, only cases. Oh, and you can’t get a single beer either. And no more than 2 six packs at a time from the package store. So you'll have to make a few trips to get what you need. So if you want a mix of beers, you have to make a few trips or find a specialty distributor that will let you mix and match a variety into a single case. Buy the way, its Sunday and they might not be open.

Q. Well, I’m having a football party, and I thought I’d get some wine too.

A. Well, for wine you have to go to a State Store. But you can’t get beer at the state store, not even cases. And you can’t get wine at the package store or the distributor.

Q. .... and some Vodka?

A. State store.

Q. I see. Who came up with this system?

A. The government. They believe it will stop you from drinking to much, and it provides patronage jobs to administration cronies and unions.

I think I need a drink.

Well, you can drive always drive to Delaware.... You can buy it all in one store, on Sunday.

I'm all for privatizing booze in PA. Privatization will undoubtedly increase our access and availability to the hootch we all crave. Unfortunately, prices will also increase as a result of the taxes imposed on these new businesses. Washington State just recently privatized and they are seeing a jump in consumer prices for liquor and wine.

No ones stopping you from going to Delaware. Go to Delaware if you want. Heck buy it duty free on your next trip out of the country. The grass is always greener... We are fortunate to live in SEPA because we have the option of going to DE for our booze if we want to. But theres much of this state that doesn't have that luxury.

no, competition from Delaware will keep prices down in our area. Something that a centrally administered, government system does not do. Competition from the surrounding states, and other INDEPENDENT business will force competitive prices. Something a state monopoly doesn't have to contend with.

sure it will... DE and NJ have certainly reduced our consumer pricing for cars, electronics, luxury items, clothing, gasoline and tobacco.

While the title on this article is about Corbett's announcement on privatizing the State's Liquor stores, there is also another announcement to be made by Corbett, which is extremely controversial as he intends to privatize the PA State Lottery, by giving it to a foreign company to run, a British company called Camelot Global Services, which is actually owned by The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

This description can be found on Northern Star Generation home page:

The Ontario Teachers's Pension Plan ("Teachers") is one of Canada's largest financial institutions with net assists of C$96.4 billion as of the end of 2009. It invests globally to secure the retirement income of 289,000 active and retired teachers in the province of Ontario, Canada....

So while Corbett will cause untold numbers of Pennsylvanian job losses, by turning over our State Lottery profits to a foreign company, it looks like he has also found a way to funnel PA citizens money into the retirement incomes of active and retired teachers in Ontario Canada.

Interesting information as Corbett is all about privatizing our public schools and bashes our own teachers, because of unfunded pensions that are not their fault, but the fault of the politicians, who chose to gamble our tax dollars, rather than contribute those tax dollars for which they were intended.

The current set up is READY for a change! I will open a bottle of wine to celebrate when the time comes I can go to one establishment and buy wine, beer and liquor. Pennsylvania needs to get with the times...

Who cares about the money for PA from liquor. What business does the state or any locality have running any kind of business? none. that's the only argument one needs to make. all governments' stink at managing anything.

In my humble opinion - the state should not be in the liquor business. Frankly, it's rather rather silly and reflects the sometime backwards nature of our dear Commonwealth. The PLCB came into being 4 days before the repeal of prohibition (1933). It's purpose was stated by then Gov. Pinchot: "discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible."

LOL......well, the Governor succeeded. The PLCB is also a patronage haven - second probably only to the Turnpike Commission.

If the state is going to be in the liquor business - why stop there? State owned gas stations? Movie theaters? Bagels?

By the way...........I'm a lifelong Democrat so please spare me the "you just want to privatize everything" argument.

Time for Pennsylvania to join the.............20th Century?

If this means I can grab a 12 pack as I do my food shopping, as I have done many times in other states, I'm all for it.

Oops! Corbetts son-in-law relieved of duty and under federal investigation as a result of a sting operation.

PA Wine & Spirits stores generated approximately $2.1 billion in revenue in 2011-12.
factoid!!!!!!!!

I hope it can happen this time. There is a poor selection of wine in this area and the prices are high. I moved back to PA after living in Virginia for 40 years and I miss the convince of purchasing beer and wine at the grocery or specialty stores like Total Wine.

@brian- so, if the end result of privatization is that taxes have to be increased to make up for lost revenue, you'd be ok with that? Plenty of municipalities run enterprises that would be considered businesses by most, such as sewer & water authorities. Again, I'm not against privatizing alcohol sales. I'm just wondering about the numbers. If the state ends up losing money in the long run, what's the point of privatization? This plan would make sense if we had a budget surplus, but that isn't the case. One time cash infusions may plug a hole now, but what does that look like long term?

Hurrah and thank you Governor Corbett for taking on this silly law!

In reading all of these comments, I cannot find a single logical reason why the state should be in this business. But to continue laws that suppress competition simultaneously creates an environment akin to something out of the Soviet Union.

But if people are so convinced that the state stores provide good product and service at competitive prices, then keep them But at least, let’s see how they do in a competitive environment. My guess is not so well.

As to the potential loss of revenue, a closer examination shows the state stores are basically break even when the pension and health care costs are included and that trend line is not favorable to taxpayers. One must also consider the lost revenue of sales in other states. For thousands of people who are located near adjoining states, they can easily do their shopping there. And the bulk of the revenue form the state stores comes from the tax revenue and that would remain if the store were privatized.

No, it’s time to put an end to this anachronism and I commend the Governor for trying.

Keep PA Liquor Stores! I like my booze and wine fresh. I used to sell to Ma and Pa stores in New Jersey where you can buy liquor at convienient stores. There is no rotation of stock, dusty bottles, hot/humid stores (not good for wine), low product turn over, absence of selection, and the price was no cheaper than PA. If I have a technical question about a $100 bottle of wine do you think a 18 or 21 yr old kid is going to be able to answer me. Plus don't you think they will sell to thier under aged friends. We don't need 24 hour access to liquor. There is the problem of higher crime, more DUI's costing tax payers more in law inforcement, insurance premiums, hospital care. I don't need to be going to Walmart at 3AM to "buy me a gun and a six pack", but there are people who will and I don't think we need those people on the street. The retail cost of liquor will go up because private companies will not be subsitized. Our taxes will not go down and to think the $$$ will go to schools...bull...Corbett cut education. Instead of losing qualified jobs work on creating new jobs. Every isle I walk down there is a salesperson...we'll end up with one inexperienced cashier. What we need is reform. Mix and match cases at beer distributors, full bottle wine sales at bars/restaurants, wholesale prices to restaurants, if it ain't broke...don't fix it!!!!

Governor Corbett SHOULD QUIT.

Jim, I don't know what you're talking about. Unions raise the bar...doubt it. The guys smoking pot and drinking on thier lunch break didn't even loose their jobs. I don't see bad teachers losing their jobs. The woman that helped me at the post office the other day was not someone who set the bar high I can tell you that! I don't believe you are not a union guy. I have had various jobs throughout the years, I have been lucky enough to get paid a fair wage and get good benefits. I never felt that my bosses were looking to stick it to me. In regard to your drunk friends, you need to get new friends. I haven't had to be someone's designated driver in 25 years. Who are you hanging with?

If teachers back this, they are fools! Corbett will still - by executive fiat?! - destroy their pension system. Their unions & legislative friends - should elicit the promise - in writing - that he will not do so. We will see then if he is an honorable man.

Wow! Education is the key, I’m sorry Ann you can’t comprehend what you read. Since you want to attack me personally, I refrain replying to your comments. Back to the issue and Facts. PA's liquor revenue is generated by taxes not markup on the product. PLCB is the largest purchaser of liquor in the USA passing on the savings to us. Cumulative buying power. Private will not. Taxes remain as is under privatization. Private companies need to make a profit hence raising retail price of product. PLCB 2011-12 sales $2.1 billion profits of $494 million to help finance other state services. Again, cost of Vox Vodka in PA is $19.99 in NJ its $27.99. Three private, key word "private", distribution companies supply liquor to PA. In ’09 they stored product in trailers exposed to heat, breaking contract with PLCB re:cost/profits. Suppliers and PLCB suggest 75 degrees preventing spoilage...PhillyBoy.

Watch closely! Will the lucrative pension system be preserved for legislators, municipal & county politicians, and their so-called "aides", while teachers, police, firefighters, & other public employees pay up for the budgetary malfeasance of the former? Wanna bet?!

Fact: Corbett cut edu. $1.1 Billion. His approval rate just drop’d again to 38% among the lowest in the nation. Canada study shows 27.5% increase in alcohol related deaths since privatization retained from death certificates. Undercover studies also found private more likely to serve underage consumers. 1/3 of all traffic accidents are caused by drunk driving. Not including traffic accidents Alcohol abuse is the 3rd largest cause of deaths of 9% underage. Colorado tax revenue from pot sales $2.2 million. FDA reports ZERO deaths from pot use. Benefits: Save billions fighting it. Reduce Mexico border problems. Cost reduction in jails. High revenue from farming to taxing. Remember prohibition? Instead of getting rid of PLCB stores we add the revenue of marijuana sales under a proven controlled environment with same laws as alcohol. My sources are from Government statistics not partisan groups. But you Righties keep coming with your ridiculous comments and the Dems will control the House, Senate, and the President’s office. Corbett is next. 1.1 million more Dems than Rep in PA. with 1.1 million independents. Now you know why the Right wants to redistrict and change voter registration laws. CHEERS! SALUD! SALUTE! PROHST!

MH: Gave my opinion/some facts. No need for more research to satisfy your needs. I’ll voice my opinion come Elect Day as I did voting for Pres Obama. Seemed to work just fine. Yes I'm suggesting legalizing marijuana same as legalization of alcohol 1933 cause it cost billions with prohibition as billions are costing taxpayers to fight marijuana. Grain/corn farmers switched to harvest marijuana in approved states, now millionaires instead of a negative income boosting the economy. Not suggesting you use pot but maybe you should try it. More control of your body/mind vs booze, can come out of a high almost immediately can’t say the same for booze. Yet still no proof to auto/over use deaths related to marijuana. Don’t get me started on Prescript drugs. 80% of the worlds anti-depressants/pain killers sold in the USA causing more automotive deaths. Science is able to take natural elements out of marijuana to pill form targeting specific illness w/o synthetic side effects, but can’t use it until pot is legal. I’m not a stoner nor an alcoholic. I’m a successful mid-aged businessman, father, grandfather and neither booze or pot effect my lifestyle or success. Moderation. My daughter lives in CO, uses medical marijuana for her Crones disease, for the first time she experiences a normal life, she’s a corporate executive, community leader, musician, music therapist for children with mental disease and mentor for abused children. As they say in Jamaica, “Ire”. Peace out!

Ann: I stated I own my own business how can I be a union worker? Basically you called me a liar...plus you suggested I get new friends..again you didn't read, these "drunks" aren't my friends its the work pool I have to hire from...not all...but high percentage. I call it "construction mentality". Shame they are skilled workers with bad habits.They get their paycheck on Friday and drink it on the weekend. They are the ones who stated to me they're excited to get their six pack a Walmart to drink more after the bars close. Retract: mini mart because they have a DUI and have to walk hence why I have to drive them home after work. Too bad Unions aren't present in my line of work cause I could charge more and pay my guys more but instead I have fly by night guys charging $10 an hour w/o liability or workerscomp insurance making me reduce my price to be near competitive. Why do you thing you get a fair wage? Do I have to remind everyone why unions where established in the first place. I do agree they go over board, but they have made concessions and are more in line to my beliefs. Thanks for the conversation eveyone but I'm out of here. I have a business to run.

Jim, Believe me, no one wants to get you started if your past comments are you in neutral! You seem to have the opinion that everyone needs to see things from your point of view and what works for you and your family should work for all. News flash...people have different views and different life experiences. Try to get out f your box.

Open the state to online sales. I'm sick of having to order 6 bottles of the scotch I like because the dumbass state PLCB won't let me buy online (where prices are up to 30% cheaper on a lot of things, including my favorite scotch).