As released by Senator Jim Ferlo:

Harrisburg, March 6, 2013 – State Senator Jim Ferlo circulated a co-sponsorship memo today for legislation which would modernize the operations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) and the operation of Pennsylvania’s Wine and Spirits Stores.

“I am proud to introduce legislation to modernize rather than privatize Pennsylvania’s liquor sales operations. My proposal will address consumer concerns, protect middle-class jobs, and move the revenue-generating asset that is the PLCB forward into the future,” Ferlo said.

Senator Ferlo’s proposal is a multi-pronged approach addressing several areas of the liquor code. The legislation addresses more appropriate pricing, flexibility in hiring, acquisition of in-demand products, direct shipment of wine, and reform in beer sales system-wide.

“I believe the reforms included in this bill will allow the Wine and Spirits Stores to operate at peak performance, and will help produce as much as $100 million dollars in additional revenue for the General Fund. In the economic times we experience, improving upon the existing system can only help preserve family-sustaining jobs, protect small businesses, and continue to supply much-needed revenue to the Commonwealth,” Ferlo continued.

Governor Corbett and House Leader Turzai both tout plans to privatize parts or all of the PLCB, based on ideology; not on proven success in other states. States which have privatized liquor sales and operations have seen numerous problems affecting public health, consumer dissatisfaction, and even crime. In Iowa, revenues have dropped by $20 million dollars, and Washington State experienced an uptick in shoplifting, student alcohol abuse, and significant price increases. Privatization is not the solution to all problems; in fact, it is having a deleterious effect in other parts of the country.

“I have heard from my constituency loud and clear that the liquor code is not altogether flawed, but that advancing some parts of the law could have tremendous benefits. I am looking forward to the day when wine manufacturers can expand their businesses by safely shipping wine directly to consumers, and when beer distributors, restaurants, and taverns have additional authority to sell various quantities of beer,” Ferlo detailed.

Modernizing the PLCB will be advantageous to consumers, small businesses, employees with middle-class jobs, and the Commonwealth. Ultimately, taxpayers will reap the benefits through consistent revenue which funds the necessary government operations which support all Pennsylvanians.

“The LCB system is a $2 billion business that we should not destroy, and the last thing we would want to see is a proliferation of fly-by-night liquor stores at every gas station, corner grocer, and local pharmacy,” Ferlo explained.

Senator Ferlo is the Democratic Minority Chair of the Senate Law and Justice Committee which oversees the operation of the State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

State Senator Jim Ferlo is a Democrat representing the 38th Senatorial District comprised of parts of the City of Pittsburgh, Armstrong, and Westmoreland Counties. Senator Ferlo serves constituents in two district offices; one in Lawrenceville and one in Natrona Heights. For more information, visit www.senatorferlo.com

Photo/Natalie Cake 2012 Mike Turzai/ Wendell Young