Consumers have limited options in Pennsylvania right now when it comes to getting booze, as the state-run Liquor Control Board runs all the stores selling liquor, wine and beer. But new proposal could be close to passing in the legislature that would shake things up a bit and offer more options for shoppers.

One proposal to privatize the state liquor system wasn’t going so well, so a new plan with a few compromises in place could be the way to go, says the Tribune-Review.

Under the proposal, the LCB would still operate state stores, and be the only ones selling liquor, but beer distributors could pay $50,000 for a beer and wine license. Wholesale wine licenses would go for $100 million.

That would open up the playing field for stores to compete with the LCB, competing

Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-Bradford Woods says he knows the state store system is not a good one.

“This is a huge step for Pennsylvania consumers,” Turzai said. “Time and time again, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has proven how antiquated and out of touch the current system is — Pennsylvanians understand this and want change. The time has come to get government out of the alcohol business.”

*Thanks to Consumerist reader Matt for the heads up!

New liquor system proposed in Pennsylvania House [Tribune-Review]

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