The Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation that would modernize, not privatize, the state wine and liquor retail system. While stopping short of eliminating state wine and liquor stores, it would permit grocery stores that sell beer to purchase an additional permit that would allow them to sell up to four bottles of wine per transaction.
This compromise legislation is unlikely to pass the House of Representatives, who consider modernization to be too tepid. It has also received a negative review by the powerful state store employee unions, who are concerned about competition from private stores driving down demand, and therefore employment, in state stores.
In spite of the philosophical divide between the houses, there is still likelihood that a compromise measure between the two chambers will be considered during the budget negotiation process.
This compromise legislation is unlikely to pass the House of Representatives, who consider modernization to be too tepid. It has also received a negative review by the powerful state store employee unions, who are concerned about competition from private stores driving down demand, and therefore employment, in state stores.
In spite of the philosophical divide between the houses, there is still likelihood that a compromise measure between the two chambers will be considered during the budget negotiation process.
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