Liquor price increase on hold in Pa.

    A week after Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Corbett criticized an impending liquor fee increase, the Liquor Control Board has decided to delay raising the price for six months.The increase, approved earlier this year, would bump up the price of alcohol anywhere from 15 cents to a bit more than a dollar, depending on the size of a bottle.Board CEO Joe Conti said Corbett’s comments played into the delay.”I think that our board was respectful of the governor-elect’s comments.  Respectful of the public comments on this matter,” said Conti Thursday. “So it was appropriate to take the opportunity here for the moratorium. And we look forward to a discussion with the General Assembly and with Gov. Corbett early next year on these matters.”Corbett and top Republican lawmakers say one of their priorities next year is privatizing state-owned liquor stores.The governor-elect’s spokesman Kevin Harley said Corbett applauds the decision, but will do “everything in his power” to nix the increase for good next year.Conti and Harley said there was no direct communication between the LCB and Corbett’s staff.

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