The bills to privatize PA’s Liquor system are moving forward in Harrisburg. A senate committee voted 6-5 to advance the bills that open up alcohol sales to restaurants, bars and beer distributors, and phase out the state run stores.
The vote comes as the deadline for the state budget is just 5 days away. FOX43 sat down with budget secretary Charles Zogby who says liquor privatization is about convenience for PA residents.
” The ability for the person going shopping is to be able to buy beer and wine at the grocery store, a one stop shop. Convenience for PA consumers I think is important here and I think that is going to be one of the important features the governor will want to see in a final bill.”
The liquor privatization bills face tough opposition from the union representing store employees and some beer distributors.