For Immediate Release
2/6/08

Contact:

Liz Ferry
215-368-1500 

Pennsylvania Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th) introduced legislation (Senate Bill 1273) to divest Pennsylvania's state stores. The measure would allow private entities to sell wine and spirits at locations convenient for consumers.

"Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states in the nation to sell alcohol as a retailer. If we are to move forward into the 21st century, we must undo this antiquated bureaucracy. Consumers want more convenience and more choices," said Senator Wonderling. "Selling booze is not a core function of government. It's time for Pennsylvania to get out of the retail liquor business," he added.

Specifically, the bill would allow roughly two-thirds of the 623 state stores to be sold to the highest bidder, while remaining stores would be offered to a private equity firm. The equity firm would have a 51 percent share, while the Commonwealth would keep a 49 percent share. Sale of the state stores is estimated to be at least $1 billion. Proceeds from the sale will go to expand existing state resources for Medicare and the adultBasic health insurance program as proposed in Governor Rendell's Cover All Pennsylvanians proposal.

To prevent the sale of alcohol to underage purchasers, SB 1273 requires employees selling wine and spirits to undergo mandatory training and mandates that no store selling alcohol could be located within 500 feet of a church, school, hospital, playground or charitable organization.

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