Pennsylvania's new Governor (Tom Corbett) has vowed to launch the latest drive to privatize the State Stores. The timing is much more interesting than in previous attempts because the State needs the money and the sales of all those stores represents an immediate bonanza of serious cash (possibly some two billion dollars). The Governor has a gigantic battle on his hands, but in my mind, it is way past the time to make such a move.
It's 2010 and shortly to be 2011, and while the State keeps offering somewhat superficial improvements (Sunday hours, in-store wine tastings, and even
vending machines for purchasing wine) it's like putting the proverbial perfume on a pig. There is good reason that the overwhelming number of States have elected to go the private route. Pennsylvania has continued a program that admittedly works from a financial standpoint (the State makes tons of money), but guess what - alcohol is not all that difficult to sell. There is, and there always will be a gigantic market for booze, and it's ridiculous to watch the flow of Pennsylvania residents purchasing their alcoholic beverages in New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland in order to save some 30% on a typical bottle of wine or whatever.
There is something inherently wrong with a 21-year-old resident of any State committing a crime by purchasing a bottle of wine, liquor, or beer anywhere in the
United States and worrying about crossing a State line. It's a crime they may not enforce, but it is a crime none-the-less. I also buy into the basic thought process that government should not be in the business of selling alcohol or any other retail product for that matter.
Please don't get me started on the subject of beer in Pennsylvania. It is beyond belief that one can go to a beer distributor and purchase by the case only as
beer is not available in the State Stores. Should you desire to purchase a six-pack of beer, you may search for a participating (licensed) deli, or you may walk
into a bar and pay a hefty premium for six bottles or cans. Now if you want three six-packs, you must purchase the first two and take them to your car. You may then return to the bar and purchase the third six-pack (this could be a problem if you walked to the bar). Of course, you can drive across the State line and purchase a six-pack at the same stores that sell wine and liquor. I could be wrong, but there is something very wrong with this picture.
I am very sympathetic to MADD and all the other groups that basically are against the buying and selling of alcohol. Prohibition doesn't work and a large portion of American citizens will continue to consume alcoholic products no matter who is providing it. There will be accidents caused by irresponsible people, and again, it doesn't matter where they get it.
Now my real reason for the big change... I believe the State Store system is a negative factor in presenting a truly great restaurant community. Philadelphia
has great restaurants, but I believe it has been held back from a national viewpoint because of the current system. The restaurants get a discount on alcohol from the State, but it's not enough. The real problem is the system makes it more challenging to operate a restaurant, and restaurants are too vital to any city
that seeks an enticing visitor market. The presentation of superior restaurants is an art-form - they purchase ingredients from the world over. They should not be forced to purchase so much of their critically important alcoholic beverages from the State of Pennsylvania. I see the current system as an unfair and unnecessary disadvantage to our restaurants.
Privatizing Pennsylvania will be a major battle and one that needs the support of the local media. Unfortunately, so much of our most powerful media has been blessed with significant advertising from the PLCB (Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board) so I'm not expecting a whole lot of media support. The union (with some 3000 State Store employees) will continue to be formidable factor.
The State will still get their taxes along with an infusion of cash. It's just time to forget about modernizing the stores and begin modernizing the entire system.
I'm also guessing that if the Governor is not successful, my Company will not be seeing too much support from all that PLCB marketing money.
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