Phase-out of state liquor stores passes House
By MARK SCOLFORO
Scranton Times Tribune Published: March 21, 2013
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) --
A plan to phase out Pennsylvania's 600 state-operated liquor stores and
raise millions in revenue by selling licenses to private businesses is on its
way to the state Senate.
The measure passed the House on Thursday on a 105-to-90 vote
after about seven hours of debate. It's a victory for members of the majority
Republican caucus and their ally, Gov. Tom Corbett.
Democratic opponents are warning the privatization bill will
put thousands of state store employees out of work, cost more and generate less
revenue than supporters predict.
The proposal is likely to see changes in the Senate.
The 194-page bill would give existing beer distributors the
priority in purchasing 1,200 licenses to sell wine and spirits.
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