Pa. Democratic Senators call for modernization of state liquor store operations

In what they’re calling a plan to modernize operations at Pennsylavnia’s wine and spirit stores, three state senators have announced a plan to generate more revenue for the state stores and improve customer experience.

Senators Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny), Vincent Hughes (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) and Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) unveiled some of the details as part of today’s announcement by state Senate Democrats to save Pennsylvania $1.14 billion.

The proposal would:

Allow the LCB greater flexibility from the Department of General Services and the state Procurement Code to purchase goods and services outside of the code’s parameters and market its services out of state.
Allow the LCB to alter markup and proportional pricing to better reflect market conditions.  The senators say  offering a customer relations marketing program to improve the buying experience could generate new revenue between $20 million and $70 million.
Allow the LCB to hire outside of Civil Service requirements.  The senators said civil service tests and requirements often do not accurately reflect the skills needed to be an effective wine & spirit store or warehouse employee.